The Eddy current., 1899-02-11
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Tabby Tortures Valentine.
Little Amy had spent n very happy
holiday season, for her fayorite aunt
had been with them. Auntie had been
very happy, too, but one thing greatly
troubled her. that the rest we're ae-
oustomcl TO and thought little Of that
was that "Tabby Torture" could not
have more freedom and general cat
happiness What can a city cat know
OF the Joy OF llie7" she would ask.
Tabbys real name was "Tabitha
Tortoiseshell." but Amy's careless lit
tie tongue got sadly tangled In that
long name; and gradually every one
had adopted her variation OF u, till
now Miss Tabby was even introduced
to strangers as "Tabby Torture
AuntIe so pltied Tabby's sad lot that
she tried TO take her TO walk IN the
park sometimes. She would tell Amy
to lead her" by the long ribbon
around her pretty neck, but Tabby
would either frisk about and tangle
herself In tho ribbon, and end by
throwing Amy down; or else she
would slt down on Il and refuse TO
move. SO they had to go back TO the
old way OF letting her out into the
courtyard. where she seemed con
tented enough,
But auntie thought her coat grow
ing rusty, and that II she couldn't get
fresh air she must have a tonic. SO
when she bade them good-by and left
| for home. her last words were II will
remember and soon send Tabby's
| tonic "
Auntle always sent Amy a valen-
| tine: So as they all sat at breakfast
the morning OF Valentines Day, Amy
was not surprised TO see among many
other handsome valentine with the
poslmark OF H.. but what did surprise.
her was TO find one from the same
place directed to Miss Tabilha Tor
tolseshoil, iS9-- ST., New York" In
side was a fiat package tied with white
ribbon and having strong spicy odor,
and written upon Il were the words.
"Tabhy'a Tonic,"
Amy opened Il and found many
home-drlod leaves OF soft. yelyoty cat.
nip. Now Tabby, who was making a
biz black-and-yellow ball OF herself
before the IRE. fast asleep, had never
seen or heard OF catnlp, but she sud
denly woke up, leaped into Amys lap,
and selling the package. rushed on
under the sofa with H. Papa r0ared
with laughter, and said "Tabby would
not have her private correspondence
meddled with" But mamma was fear
ful she would eat too much OF the cat
min 30 they all tried TO get Il away.
Tabby fought them vigorously with
her hind legs. while she Rugged her
prcelous valentine to her white breast
with her fore paws; and before they
finally secured Il she had eaten at least
half the oatnlp
Mamma put the rest OF the catnlp
safely away. shut up In a box, and that
hidden IN a deep vase on the parlor
mantel. Occasionally as treat Tabby
was given q leaf, and both papa aud
mamma had a way OF stealing Ia 20
take "snii' OF the pungent mint.
which reminded them OF their dear old
country home.
Alasl Papa went once 10 oftonl One
day mamma was not there to see that
he closed the door, and Tabby caught
the scent Wicked Tabby slyly cropt
IN. jumped on the inanlel, threw down
and broke the vase, gnawed on the
box cover. and took all her tonic AZ
one dose.
Auntle was written 20 about her IA
yoritea bad behavior, and what do YOU
think she suggested as a punishment
WHY. that Amy and Tabby spend next
summer with her In the country. where
Tabby can have all the catnip she
wants and pick II for herselfl SO both
Amy and Tabby are looking forward
10 next summer with great delight.