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 with her kittens nicely washed, and looking as pretty and fresh as possible, and soon after the barn-cat appeared with her kittens. She had had time to wash them carefully, as Major was out and she could not have the desired interview with him. Their little tiger-skins were glossy, and they looked as if it were hard work for them to walk sedately behind their mother.

The house-cat was seated with her kittens beside her, and the barn-cat took up her position at a distance and placed her kittens where she could keep an eye on them. While she was making their toilets she had given them so many instructions in regard to their behavior, that they presented a very demure appearance, although their little bright eyes danced about in such a very animated way that it seemed probable that it wouldn't be a very difficult task to make them forget their dignity.

Mrs. Polly looked as wise as half a dozen