The new enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 1907-03-28

/
so homesick that she would give all
Wien for one hour among her noun
tains. What shall We do, father?"
Shall we send for her Aunt Anna,
or her Cousin Elschen?" ventured his
father, helplessly.
That would be no use. They could
not help her. We must find her some
thing else to interest her; but she is
so different" He stopped with
shrug and a gesture. Something in
the outflung hands reminded the older
man of the day so long ago on ship
board, and his face frightened.
Il have it," he said, delightedly.
Tomorrow morning l shall buy her
the prettiest cat in Wien; you shall
see. That will comfort her."
The next morning found him in
! tiny store, far from the fine shops and
| magnificent restaurants. 1t was a
dingy little place, filled with bird-cages,
goldfish. tame rabbits and, in a back
room, cats and dogs, which eyed each
other warily, with occasional growls,
Kisses and barks.
The animal fancier was expatiating
apon the beauties of the cats that lay
in sleek and sleepy luxury about them,
and Herr Dornheim was hesitating be-
tween a jet-blacll with topaz eyes and
white one with a most engaging little
| pink mouth. when he heard a low
moan of pain.
The face of the fancier turned a lit
tie more ashen, and there was pinch
ed look about his mouth as he said in
answer TO the glance of surprise;
1T is-a kitten that THAT found
in the alley. The boys and the dogs
had nearly done for her, and I have
had no time-no, 20 not look at her.
She is a most unpleasant sight"
Herr Dornheinl lifted the cloth. The
| kitten was gray Angora with very
curious markings. half-invisible now
in blood and dust, her fur torn, one
| paw mangled small heap of misery,
with no beauty save pair of beseech-
ing eyes, that she turned upon them
/ in almost human entreaty The old
fancier stood wringing his hands in an
agony of misery that checked the
words that rose to his customers lips.
Il found her only half an hour ago."
he muttered. II shall see If can do
anything for her; If not, the chloro.
form. VIII men herr take the white
or black one?"
Neither" answered Herr Dornheim
shortly. I'll take this one" pointing
to the injured cat
| The man looked at him in blank
amazement. But mein herr asked for
the most beautiful
Il know" answered Herr Dorm
helm, but had not seen this one
then"
81 could not sell her, mein herr. |
do not think she will live. 1t would
not be honest, and you said you wanted
the most beautiful for your little girl,
nicht?"
This one will be the most beautiful
to her"
The man said no more but put the
kitten into a wicker basket, with a
tiny comband brush, a box of ONT
ment and package of catnip.
You may Fay for these things but
not for the kitten. Tomorrow l will
sell you one"
Some strong emotion seemed TO
overcome the old man, and he almost
hurried his purchaser away, his face
working and his hands trembling.
Herr Dornheim never doubted the
| wisdom of his purchase until he stood
on his own steps. The kitten had not
moved. Perhaps 1t was dead. 1t
would be sorry jest to bring home
such an object to the honesick girl.
And what would Jaroslav say? 1t was
too late to turn back, for the girl had
been watching for him. and flung open
the door. And then, as he would have
explained, plaintive wall from the
basket saved him the trouble.
20 uncle" she cried, delightedly,
"-ou remembered? You have brought
me kitten-'the prettiest in Wien ="
She took the basket from his hands,
and hurried into the sitting-room and
raised the, cover. The forlorn atom
of cathUod raised herself, torn, bloody
encrusted with dirt. the bruised paw
extended as II entreating aid, while
she put the other on the edge OF the
basket and loked straight into the pitt
full and bewildered eyes of the girl
Father" criei Jaroslav, Impatient
lly, what were you thinking Off" Ae