The sisters looked at each other while Miss Eleanor said: "What will Harrie say? We cannot keep another cat with Topsy."
"We may find a good home for her, but it would be better to chloroform her than leave her to suffer," said Miss Milly.
The warm kitchen, the soothing cream, and the soft rug made me very comfortable, and I slept the rest of the day, trusting myself to these dear, kind people.
Miss Eleanor came quite often to see me, bringing me cream and soft bits of chicken, though, never having tasted such food before, I did not know what it was. I had very little desire for anything but water or milk, as the fever made me very thirsty.
Miss Milly came down later in the evening with the elder sister, the mistress of the house. Mrs. Rice was a sweet-faced little woman, and looked with great kindness on me.
"What shall we do with two cats? Topsy is a houseful. What will you do with her, Milly? She is so jealous if you touch another cat."
"I will manage her, for we must keep this poor creature till we find her a good home."
"You have a hard task, and when you introduce her to Topsy, 'may I be there to see.'" And Mrs. Rice turned away, laughing. "This bids fair to be the 'cats' house' that Eleanor used to tell the boys about."
"There is no use waiting," said Miss Milly. "If Topsy should find a cat in her basket, war would be declared at once."
This made me tremble a little, and subsequent events proved I had good reason for my fears.