But Edith had caught sight of something, and forgot shilling and every
thing else in that glimpse. Her own dear old Muff sleeping on the hearth
of the kitchen which she had not yet entered. I shall not tell you all
the endearments she used to puss, they would look ridiculous on paper;
they made even those who heard them smile, but she was so overjoyed that
there was some excuse for her. Mrs. Murray rather damped her joy at once
by saying, "Oh, she's a sad thief, Miss. She steals the fish terribly. I
suppose you can't take her back, Miss?"

"Ah, Joe," said Edith sorrowfully, "you see, you had better have drowned
her."

"So I think," said Mrs. Murray.

"No, no, no," cried Jane, coming forwards. "I have a shilling now, and
Barker the carrier will take her for that all the way to Southampton,
where aunt Martha lives, and aunt Martha loves cats, and will take care
of Muff; she shan't be drowned, Miss," said Jenny, kindly.

The mother looked surprised, and they all admired Jenny's kind
intentions. Emilie slipped another shilling into her hand as they went
away, and said "You will find a use for it." "Good night Jenny, and
thank you," said poor Edith, with a sigh, for she had already looked
forward to many joyful meetings with Muff--her newly-found treasure. But
as old Joe, who followed them down the cliff said, there was no end to
the trouble Muff caused, what with stealing fish, and upsettings and
breakings; and she would be happier at aunt Martha's, where there was
neither fish nor child, and more room to walk about in than Muff enjoyed
here.