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 little gray kitten some mischief," said the canary; "she is so small and helpless, and Major says he has so much spite against her."

"He wouldn't dare to touch her," said the barn-cat fiercely. "I wouldn't sleep a wink till I'd paid him off if he harmed her."

"Hush!" twittered the sparrow, "the children are coming."

Posy appeared, dancing along in her usual happy way, with the corners of her little white apron held up with one hand and in the other a small china doll. When she reached the piazza, she let the corners of the apron fall, and out rolled the contents,—bits of bright-colored ribbon and silk and lace.

"Now, my dear Miss Pompadour," said Posy to the china doll, "you sit right down here while your mamma makes you a beautiful ball-dress. You must be very careful of it, because it's going to be made of my