"Is that so, Miss Edith? Then the mice here at Castle Cliff haven't long
to live!" laughed good-natured Mr. Templeton, as he handed Zee's little
mistress a pitcher of excellent cream.

Edith was very grateful to Mrs. McQuilken for this remarkable kitten.
She had taken much pains with her pencil drawing of a cherub in the
clouds, intending it as a present for the eccentric old lady.

"Do you suppose she'll like it, mamma? You know she's so odd that one
never can tell."

Mrs. Dunlee was sure the picture would be appreciated. The cherub's
sweet face looked like Eddo's, and the clouds lay about him very softly,
leaving bare his pretty dimpled feet, and hands, and arms, and neck. On
Friday afternoon Edith took the picture in her hand and knocked with a
beating heart at the door of Number Five.

"Mrs. Me--McQuilken," said she, in a timid voice, on entering the room,
"you're so fond of pictures that I thought I'd bring you one I drew
myself. I'm afraid it's not so very, very good; but I hope you'll like
it just a little."

[Illustration]

Mrs. McQuilken was much surprised as well as gratified; and actually
there were tears in her eyes as she took the offering from Edith's hand.
She was a lonely old body, and never expected much attention from any
one, especially from children.