It was agreed that we should bury him in the orchard at sunset that evening , and Sara Ray , who had to go home , declared she would be back for it , and implored us to wait for her if she did n't come exactly on time . `` I may n't be able to get away till after milking , '' she sniffed , `` but I do n't want to miss it . Even a cat 's funeral is better than none at all . '' `` Horrid thing ! '' said Felicity , barely waiting until Sara was out of earshot . We worked with heavy hearts that day ; the girls cried bitterly most of the time and we boys whistled defiantly . But as evening drew on we began to feel a sneaking interest in the details of the funeral . As Dan said , the thing should be done properly , since Paddy was no common cat . The Story Girl selected the spot for the grave , in a little corner behind the cherry copse , where early violets enskied the grass in spring , and we boys dug the grave , making it `` soft and narrow , '' as the heroine of the old ballad wanted hers made . Sara Ray , who managed to come in time after all , and Felicity stood and watched us , but Cecily and the Story Girl kept far aloof . `` This time last night you never thought you 'd be digging Pat 's grave to-night , '' sighed Felicity . `` We little k-know what a day will bring forth , '' sobbed Sara . `` I 've heard the minister say that and it is true . '' `` Of course it 's true . It 's in the Bible ; but I do n't think you should repeat it in connection with a cat , '' said Felicity dubiously . When all was in readiness the Story Girl brought her pet through the orchard where he had so often frisked and prowled . No useless coffin enclosed his breast but he reposed in a neat cardboard box . `` I wonder if it would be right to say ` ashes to ashes and dust to dust , ' '' said Peter . `` No , it would n't , '' averred Felicity . `` It would be real wicked . ''
`` I XXXXX we ought to sing a hymn , anyway , '' asseverated Sara Ray .
's brought bury dug enskied get implored reposed say think