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 *body wrongly, but it was a very handsome affair, and I dare say created a good deal of jealousy among my acquaintances;" and she looked very hard at the house-cat.

"If you mean me," said the house-cat, with a toss of her head, "let me tell you that I haven't stolen your old collar. I don't need collars to make me look respectable, thank goodness!"

"Very true," answered the barn-cat; "it would take more than collars to make some people look respectable."

"Oh, come, come," said Mrs. Polly, "don't get personal! I have no doubt that old Graywhisker knows where that collar is, just as well as he knows where the gray kitten is."

"You don't mean it!" exclaimed the sparrow.

"Yes, I do," said Mrs. Polly decidedly. "I believe that Graywhisker sent that