Then the cats would come with their gratulations, but not until their little mistress had leaped from the bed, run to the window, flung open the sash, and called, "Puss, puss!" Then the whole four would scamper into the room, one after the other, and wish her many happy returns of the day.
When the pugs had gone through their part of the program, the little maid proceeded to attire herself, a task she performed behind a tall folding screen.

When she stepped forth again, she had on a gorgeous Chinese-silk wrapper, covered all over with gay-colored palms, and confined only at the waist with a heavy silk cord.

Her hair was twisted into a single knot on the crown of her head.
Then she prepared breakfast for herself and her guests.

The eight of them drank cold milk, and ate of the dainty little cakes which some one placed on her table every night while she slept.

To-day Marie did not amuse herself with her guests, but turned over the leaves of her picture-book, thus passing the time until she should hear, after the bell had rung twice, the tap at her door.
"Come in!" The man who entered was surprised.
"What?
We are not yet ready for the drive ?" he exclaimed.
The maid threw her book aside, ran toward him, and flung her arms with childish abandon around his neck.
"We are not going to drive to-day.