asked Daisy , pointing to an old gray hen in a black turban , who was walking about alone , muttering to herself , as hens often do in their promenades . `` She says a cat has made a nest , and hatched three kits up on the loft , near her own nest ; and she does n't like it , because their mewing annoys her , '' said Wee , after listening a minute . `` How nice ! let 's go and find them . But do you learn anything about the fairies from the hen 's chat ? '' `` No : they have been so busy setting , they have had no time for picnics yet . But they will let us know , if they discover any . '' In the barn , the cows were being milked ; and Daisy had a mugful of it , warm and sweet , out of the foaming pail . `` We 'll take some to Mrs. Purr ; for , I dare say , she does n't like to leave the kits long , and will enjoy a sip of something comfortable , '' said Wee , as Daisy climbed the ladder , and went rustling over the hay to a corner , whence came a joyful `` Mew ! '' What a charming sight it was , to be sure ! a snow-white cat lying in a cosy nest , and , by her , three snow-white kits , wagging three very small gray tails . `` There never was any thing so lovely ! '' cried Daisy , as she sat with the three downy balls in her lap , while the mamma gratefully lapped the new milk from Aunt Wee 's cup . `` Are they better than fairies ? '' `` Almost : for I know about pussies , and can cuddle them ; but I could n't a fairy , you know , and they might be afraid of me . These dears are not afraid , and I shall have such fun with them as they grow up . What shall we name them , auntie ? '' `` Snowball , Patpaw , and Wagtail would do , I think , '' said Wee , stroking the cat , who rubbed against her , purring very loud . `` Yes : I like those names for my pets . But what is Mrs. Purr saying , with her mouth up to your ear ? ''
XXXXX Daisy , who firmly believed that Aunt Wee knew every thing .
asked discover hatched know learn let muttering purring saying wagging