`` I wish we could believe that cats went to heaven , like people , '' sighed Cecily . `` Do you really think it is n't possible ? '' Uncle Blair shook his head . `` I 'm afraid not . I 'd like to think cats have a chance for heaven , but I ca n't . There 's nothing heavenly about cats , delightful creatures though they are . '' `` Blair , I 'm really surprised to hear the things you say to the children , '' said Aunt Janet severely . `` Surely you would n't prefer me to tell them that cats DO go to heaven , '' protested Uncle Blair . `` I think it 's wicked to carry on about an animal as those children do , '' answered Aunt Janet decidedly , `` and you should n't encourage them . Here now , children , stop making a fuss . Bury that cat and get off to your apple picking . '' We had to go to our work , but Paddy was not to be buried in any such off-hand fashion as that . 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 XXXXX spring , and we boys dug the grave , making it `` soft and narrow , '' as the heroine of the old ballad wanted hers made .
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