`` My friends , something very remarkable has happened : Miss Bat is cleaning house ! '' and , having made this announcement , Molly leaned back to see how the cats received it , for she insisted that they understood all she said to them . Tobias stared , Mortification lay down as if it was too much for him , Molasses beat her tail on the floor as if whipping a dusty carpet , and Granny began to purr approvingly . The giddy kits paid no attention , as they did not know what house-cleaning meant , happy little dears ! `` I thought you 'd like it , Granny , for you are a decent cat , and know what is proper , '' continued Molly , leaning down to stroke the old puss , who blinked affectionately at her . `` I ca n't imagine what put it into Miss Bat 's head . I never said a word , and gave up groaning over the clutter , as I could n't mend it . I just took care of Boo and myself , and left her to be as untidy as she pleased , and she is a regular old -- '' Here Scamp put his paw on her lips because he saw them moving , but it seemed as if it was to check the disrespectful word just coming out . `` Well , I wo n't call names ; but what shall I do when I see everything in confusion , and she wo n't let me clear up ? '' asked Molly , looking round at Scamp , who promptly put the little paw on her eyelid , as if the roll of the blue ball underneath amused him . `` Shut my eyes to it , you mean ? I do all I can , but it is hard , when I wish to be nice , and do try ; do n't I ? '' 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 XXXXX retired to the basket , to ponder over the phenomena taking place in the house .
Bat Boo Granny Molly Scamp Tobias clutter left puss yowl