At length, those that were with her in the cottage saw what was passing; and Martha said, “Don’t be afraid, Miss; Tibby won’t hurt you. Poor thing! she is in great trouble, and has been so ever since yesterday.”
“What trouble?” said Soffrona.
“Some rude boys came in yesterday, and stole her kitten,” replied Martha. “I was in the wood, picking a few sticks, and left the door open; and the boys came in, and ran away with the kitten; and the poor cat has been moaning and grieving like a human being,—poor dumb thing,—ever since. The cruel lads! I saw them go down the hill!”
“O!” said Soffrona, “and I do believe”——
“And I am sure,” said Sophia.
“And I am so glad!” said Soffrona.
“And how happy she will be!” said Sophia.
And Soffrona immediately set down her basket and opened it, and put the little kitten on the floor, for the kitten was indeed poor Tibby’s kitten.