The lady was somewhat surprised, when the enthusiastic child, instead of answering, started suddenly and gave her a kiss. From this time, a warm friendship was established between them.
When she had gone, the child had a refreshing nap, and then asked her mother to get the book and read her a story.
“Here is an affecting one,” remarked Mrs. Lee, after having looked over the pages, “where puss loved her mistress as much as Mrs. Davis’s Mouser did.
“A lady named Madame Helvetius had a favorite kitten, which constantly lay at her feet, seemingly always ready to defend her. It never molested the birds which she kept; it would not take food from any hand but hers, and would not allow any one else to caress it.
“At the death of its mistress, the poor cat was removed from her chamber; but it made its way there the next morning, went on the bed, sat upon her chair, slowly and mournfully paced over her toilet, and cried most piteously, as if lamenting its poor mistress.
“After her funeral it was found stretched lifeless on her grave, apparently having died from excess of grief.”
“I think Mouser would have died just so,” said Minnie, softly, “she loves her mistress so well.”
“Here is another story, my dear, if you are not too tired.”
“O, no, indeed! I think I should very soon be well if you would read all the time.”
“Henry, Earl of Southampton, was long confined in the Tower of London, as a political prisoner. He had been already some time in confinement, when, one day, he was both delighted and surprised by receiving a visit from a favorite cat.