Sunshine and Shadow 85 
apparent astonishment. “ I should think they would 
be a dreadful nuisance.” 
I could see that mistress was annoyed by the 
remark, but she answered her very gently, and 
said : “ It depends on your treatment of cats, Mrs. 
Cotton, whether they will be a nuisance or a 
pleasure. I have always found them a pleasure, 
and besides, I have a special purpose in keeping 
pets.” 
“ A purpose in keeping cats ! ” exclaimed the 
lady ; “ do tell me what it is.” 
“ It is to teach my boy to be tender and humane 
toward all animals ; and as we cannot afford ex- 
pensive pets like dogs and horses, we are satisfied 
with cats.” 
“ You are the first person I ever heard speak of a 
purpose in keeping cats,” said Mrs. Cotton. “ I 
always supposed that people had cats because they 
just happened to come to them.” 
“ That is not the case with these cats,” replied 
mistress. “ We formerly lived in a flat where we 
could not keep pets, and that is one of the reasons 
why I went to housekeeping.” 
“ But do you not find it very expensive to keep 
house for just you two ? ” 
