The first edition of this book is dated 1895. The edition used is dated 1930. The publisher was Blackie & Son Limited, London and Glasgow. The number of pages is 60.

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General information

There are three short stories in this little book, of which the first is by far the longest. Ruth is a poor little rich girl. Her mother had died some time before, and she lives with her father, a lawyer, and an incredibly stupid, though outwardly competent, Nurse. One day she discovers that there is a thin, unfed cat also living in the house. She befriends it, despite Nurse. She becomes very ill for a week or so. Her father discovers her love for the cat, and it is elevated to being the House Cat.

In the second story, a “toy” dog is missing. When the dog, Sarah, is found, she tells her young mistress of her adventures.

In the third and last story, two young girls are seeing what they can find near a pond. A toad is discovered, and he explains to them that he lives in a hole, which is well covered up, so that he cannot see out. He says that some toads’ holes are uncomfortable while some are nice and snug. The girls’ attendant, Miss Grey, points out the moral, that we all live in holes of our own making, some of which are comfortable, and some not, but out of which we cannot easily see how other people are living.

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Contents

Chapter I.
The Visitor from the Cellar.

Chapter II.
Her Best Friend.

Chapter III.
“Who saw Sarah last?“

Chapter IV.
“When is she coming?“

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