X 
OUR HAPPIEST DAYS 
On Saturdays mistress comes home earlier than 
usual. Then we get our coats brushed, and wiped 
off with a damp cloth, and we put on the finishing 
touches with that dexterous little scrubbing brush 
which every cat carries between his jaws. Then 
mistress changes the covers of our cushions and 
gives us clean pads. 
I always purr when mistress brushes me, to let 
her know that I like it ; and Budge likes it so well, 
he keeps turning himself so the brush will strike 
him at every point. I believe the brushing and the 
good food we get make us have such soft and 
glossy coats, and such fine bushy tails. 
One day after Budge had been thoroughly 
groomed he concluded that he would go on an ex- 
ploring tour, and, being so nice and clean, he was 
permitted to go wherever he pleased. 
First he went on mistress’ desk, and pretended 
to read a letter from grandpa ; then he played a 
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