Old Blackie 
105 
terested in mistress’ story, that she asked her to 
also relate the history of Meow. 
“ That was my first experience traveling with a 
cat,” said mistress. “ Emma took care of Meow, 
and I held the baby. 
“ On the farm Meow became very popular, and 
she and grandpa were the best of friends. I well 
remember how at meal-times she would always sit 
on the broad window-sill in the dining-room, and 
as soon as grandpa finished, and began to lean 
back in his big armchair, she would spring on his 
shoulder and caress him. Then he would prepare 
her a dainty dinner and carry it out to the kitchen 
with her perched on his shoulder. I also remem- 
ber that when her first kittens came she was de- 
termined to put them into my bureau drawer. But 
I took her out into the kitchen and made her a 
nice soft bed in an old cheese box, where she 
raised her family and became a very good mother.” 
“ But where is Meow now?” said Aunt Minnie. 
“ When the summer was over and the time ap- 
proached for our departure,” said mistress, 
“ grandpa had become so attached to Meow, he in- 
vited her to stay with him ; and as she had a family 
I was glad to let her remain.” 
