asked Molly . But Scamp was ready for her , and began to comb her hair with both paws as he stood on his hind legs to work so busily that Molly laughed and pulled him down , saying , as she cuddled the sly kit . `` You sharp little thing ! I know my hair is not neat now , for I 've been chasing Boo round the garden to wash him for school . Then Miss Bat threw the parlor carpet out of the window , and I was so surprised I had to run and tell you . Now , what had we better do about it ? '' The cats all winked at her , but no one had any advice to offer , except Tobias , who walked to the shelf , and , looking up , uttered a deep , suggestive yowl , which said as plainly as words , `` Dinner first and discussion afterward . '' `` Very well , do n't scramble , '' said Molly , getting up to feed her pets . First the kits , who rushed at the bowl and thrust their heads in , lapping as if for a wager ; then the cats , who each went to one of the four piles of scraps laid round at intervals and placidly ate their meat ; while Molly retired to the basket , to ponder over the phenomena taking place in the house . She could not imagine what had started the old lady . It was not the example of her neighbors , who had beaten carpets and scrubbed paint every spring for years without exciting her to any greater exertion than cleaning a few windows and having a man to clear away the rubbish displayed when the snow melted . Molly never guessed that her own efforts were at the bottom of the change , or knew that a few words not meant for her ear had shamed Miss Bat into action . Coming home from prayer-meeting one dark night , she trotted along behind two old ladies who were gossiping in loud voices , as one was rather deaf , and Miss Bat was both pleased and troubled to hear herself unduly praised . `` I always said Sister Dawes meant well ; but she 's getting into years , and the care of two children is a good deal for her , with her cooking and her rheumatiz . I do n't deny she did neglect 'em for a spell , but she does well by 'em now , and I would n't wish to see better-appearing children . '' `` You 've no idee how improved Molly is . She came in to see my girls , and brought her sewing-work , shirts for the boy , and done it as neat and capable as you 'd wish to see . She always was a smart child , but dreadful careless , '' said the other old lady , evidently much impressed by the change in harum-scarum Molly Loo . `` Being over to Mis Minot 's so much has been good for her , and up to Mis Grant 's . Girls catch neat ways as quick as they do untidy ones , and them wild little tykes often turn out smart women . ''
`` Sister Dawes has done well by them XXXXX , and I hope Mr. Bemis sees it .
advice cats children discussion efforts hair neighbors one ones school