“No,” said the kitten; “that’s not the way to talk kitten-talk.” And she sat on the kitchen step and cried again.

“What is the matter?” asked a soft voice behind her.

“Oh!” sobbed the kitten, without looking up, “I have forgotten how to talk kitten-talk. I try and I try, and nothing can help me. All I can say is, M-m-m-bow!”

“Look at me,” said the soft voice.

The little kitten looked. And there stood a beautiful big gray cat!

“I can teach you to talk,” said the Cat. And she did. She taught her so well that the little kitten never again forgot how to mew, though she played out on the soft, green grass with the dogs every day.