`` 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 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 XXXXX , and the care of two children is a good deal for her , with her cooking and her rheumatiz .
Bat Boo First Molly Scamp Tobias clutter night years yowl