The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1899-03-10
And Even the Cat Knew
By Charles S. Hathaway

DEITY, the cat, held her post by pre-
ID emption, upon the hassock at Aun
Lucy's feet; her purr was louder thar
usual and the narrow, sharp and per
Pendicular lenses set hard in the green.
ish yellow eyes were interrogation
points Strengthened out, but full OF
character.
At least such was the analysis made
by the sweet faced woman. who. gently
rocking her chair, tapped an open let
ter with her glasses as she rocked and
smiled answers to the cats question
ings.
Then Betty arose and placing her
four paws closely together INDUCED in
a pretentious comfortable yawn in
which the semi-circular arch of her
back was the predominating feature.
1t was exactly as though she had ad-
yised her mistress to retain the secret
she had been so quietly coddling for
several minutes-a secret too, which
could not possibly be of any interest TO
an outsider.
OF course no cat in such state Of
mind could purr, and so, when Aunt
Lucy realized that her most intimate
companion was rebellious she laid aside
spectacles and letter. and smoothing
out her gown invited Betty to come up
and she would tell her all aboutit.
Il just couldn't put fl off any longer"
said Aunt Lucy. as she was helping her
furry friend to secure comfortable
coil in the ample lap. because James is
getting along in years anditis certainly
time for him to think seriously of mar
riage. 1t would be different If he had
mother. or sisters. or kin of some de-
gree, then he might rely upon them;
but he is absolutely alone. he is 80 years
old and positively, l do not believe the
thought Of taking a wife ever entered
his head"
The cats opinion Of the revelation
made was indicated by closed eyes and
an aggravatingly comfortable condi-
tion. threfore Aunt Lucy continued:
And So While James is the only son of
my old schoolmate and while | am in
no sense beholden TO him, / couldn't
rid myself Of the conviction that /
ought to do what / could wish. under /.
reversed conditions, dear friend to do
for my boy. if had one"
Betty-she was wonderful cat
showed that she understood the value .
Of the period that had been reached. by
q renewal of her purring. so that Aunt
Iucy felt safe in resuming: you just
wait and see when my little girl Julia"
Betty stopped purring-"reaches the
proper age. if permit her TO go stu
pidly. thoughtlessly and alone toward
nm old age Of solitude and helplessness.
No. sir. I'll do by her just as ! propose
doing by James. I'll show that I'm
4 business woman by presenting a busi-
ness proposition Then stroking Bet
Us fur with one hand as she reached
10 the table for the letter she unused:
4 told James l desired him TO call. to
isten TO matter of business. he has
ent me word that he would gladly ac-
.eGe 10 my request, and"
At this juncture Betty arose and
umped to the floor quickly. running to
he door just in time TO meet the lit
le girl" Julia Munroe, Aunt Lucy's
oungest daughter and a bewitching
maiden still on the safe side Of 20 years.
'he newcomer, with no little show Of
mpatience. told her mother that she
adj just seen that old bachelor friend
+ yours. Jim Duncan. coming up the
-alk, so I'll vanish"
Then as Betty and her younger mis-
ress disappeared through one door
lere came through another door. Jim
uncan and personality full ofhearty
ood will. grace and self-reliance. Aunt
ucy's greeting was cordial, confident
ld wholly free from pretense. so that
le two close friends were at once easy
ld natural, and within very short S
me Duncan asked: "What is your j
lsiness proposition? I'm fairly daft C
ith curiosity" /
Indeed" answered Aunt Lucy. then
Il keep the doors closed bit and en- o
Y myself An old bachelor who is GU b
Gus is unique and worth Witnessing j
know a good investment when l see it 81
I'd usually profit by it when" =
That's fact" interpolated Duncan, o
our standing in a business way is
ly excelled by your social value" II
Aunt Lucy was not a little fattered D
this direct compliment to the great
{ element in the list Of her personal CO
mites. so that she nearly rendered ID
r visitor speechless by responding
unity; Jim Duncan. / want you TO b.
{ married. and the sooner The better. OF
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