`` She ca n't have been up here all this time , '' I protested , half tearfully . `` We would have heard her meowing . '' `` But you did n't , '' said Max . `` She would have died of the cold , '' declared Ismay . `` But she has n't , '' said Max . `` Or starved , '' I cried . `` The place is alive with mice , '' said Max . `` No , girls , there is no doubt the cat has been here the whole fortnight . She must have followed Huldah Jane up here , unobserved , that day . It 's a wonder you did n't hear her crying -- if she did cry . But perhaps she did n't , and , of course , you sleep downstairs . To think you never thought of looking here for her ! '' `` It has cost us over a hundred dollars , '' said Ismay , with a malevolent glance at the sleek Fatima . `` It has cost me more than that , '' I said , as I turned to the stairway . Max held me back for an instant , while Ismay and Fatima pattered down . `` Do you think it has cost too much , Sue ? '' he whispered . I looked at him sideways . He was really a dear . Niceness fairly exhaled from him .
`` No-o-o , '' I said , `` but when we are married you will have to take care of XXXXX , I wo n't . ''
Fatima Ismay Jane Max Niceness day dollars fortnight girls meowing