"
He smiled.
"Oh, of course. I'm used to them. But Persian's another thing, I
suppose. Come, kitty, don't be afraid--whew!" for, in spite of
coaxing, the frightened creature made a dash past him, as he would have
stroked its silky coat, and disappeared under the white valance of the
nearest bed.
Instantly Faith was on her knees, diving after, but nearly fell over
with laughter when Mr. Parrot called out promptly, in a shocked voice,
"Oh, for shame!"
Amid the laughter the captain remarked quickly, "I have it! Who was
that Persian poet you were reading about the other night, in Portsea,
Faith? Why not name him that? Don't you remember, he was said to be
rather a shy, retiring man. Now, kitty, here, seems to have the same
disposition."
Faith was now scrambling out, warm and tumbled, Puss safe in her arms,
but only half yielding to restraint, and, smiling at her father's funny
glance, she answered, gasping a little with her exertions,
"It was Hafiz, papa. I had thought of Ali Baba, but that always
suggests the forty thieves, you know, and I wouldn't like my pretty
Angora to be accused of stealing even cream--father, do you suppose
he's hungry?"
"Bless us! Just as likely as not. Wait, I'll send Joey for some milk
at once," touching an electric button just above the seat. "I see Mr.
Parrot has his dinner in his cage. Well, shall it be Hafiz?"
"I believe that will do," returned Faith slowly, "and what will you
name your bird, Hope?"
"Oh, I'm not going so far for a name as all that, only to America, and
I shall call him Texas.
Pages:
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36