`` Anne , '' said Stella severely , `` do you own that animal ? '' `` No , I do NOT , '' protested disgusted Anne . `` The creature followed me home from somewhere . I could n't get rid of him . Ugh , get down . I like decent cats reasonably well ; but I do n't like beasties of your complexion . '' Pussy , however , refused to get down . He coolly curled up in Anne 's lap and began to purr . `` He has evidently adopted you , '' laughed Priscilla . `` I wo n't BE adopted , '' said Anne stubbornly . `` The poor creature is starving , '' said Phil pityingly . `` Why , his bones are almost coming through his skin . '' `` Well , I 'll give him a square meal and then he must return to whence he came , '' said Anne resolutely . The cat was fed and put out . In the morning he was still on the doorstep . On the doorstep he continued to sit , bolting in whenever the door was opened . No coolness of welcome had the least effect on him ; of nobody save Anne did he take the least notice . Out of compassion the girls fed him ; but when a week had passed they decided that something must be done . The cat 's appearance had improved . His eye and cheek had resumed their normal appearance ; he was not quite so thin ; and he had been seen washing his face .
`` But for all that we ca n't keep him , '' said XXXXX .
Anne Phil Priscilla Stella beasties coolness doorstep face morning week