I must go now and take them all to the Queen’s palace. I am sure they will be the handsomest kittens there. I suppose I shall have to push their carriage. Come, mother, let us be off. Are my whiskers stiff? Is my hat on straight? [Illustration: WAITING FOR THE CHILDREN] HIDING Don’t tell anybody where I am. I am hiding away from mother. She wants me to go to the Queen’s party and I don’t want to go. I don’t like the Queen, she is so grand and dignified. She frightens me. I would rather hide in this pitcher all day than go to the Queen’s palace. Please don’t tell where I am. You will not, will you? [Illustration: DON’T TELL ANYBODY] AN INVITATION I’ve had an invitation To go to see the Queen, But I’m a bashful kitten And I’d rather not be seen. NO PARTY FOR ME How strange it is that some of us _want_ to go to the party, and some _do not_ want to go. Some of us _can_ go, and some _cannot_ go. I am one who _wants_ to go, and I am one who _cannot_ go. I have a sick head. It aches. Perhaps I caught too many mice last night. The doctor has been here. He told me to take this medicine every half-hour. How I wish I could go to the party! They surely will have something good to eat there, but I must stay at home and take my medicine. [Illustration: I HAVE A SICK HEAD] I’M OFF I’m off for the Queen’s palace. I’m the only cat in our country who has an automobile. But I suppose all the fine cats will be having them soon. It is really great fun to ride faster than any cat or kitten can run. I would invite you to ride too, but there is room for only one. So, good-bye! I’m off for the Queen’s party. [Illustration: IN MY AUTOMOBILE] BEING WEIGHED Yes, I am being weighed. It frightens me to hang in the air like this. What if I should fall, with my feet tied up in this bag! I am sure I should be killed! Can you see how much I weigh? Nearly two pounds? You don’t mean it! Then I am big enough to go to the party all alone, though I am not sure that I want to go. I think I had rather stay at home and play. [Illustration: HOW MUCH DO I WEIGH?] THE PARTY Attention, kittens and cats! The clock strikes one. The Queen’s party has begun. I am the Commanding Officer of the palace. Attention to what I have to say! Our Queen bids you welcome. She waits for you in her throne room. As you each pass in you must salute her and recite for her a cat tale, a rat tale, or some other tale, long or short, true or not. But no fears or tears, for our Queen has a fine dinner in her grand dining-room for all brave kittens and cats. Now who has the best tale? [Illustration: I’VE A FEATHER IN MY CAP] THE COMMANDING OFFICER I’m an officer of the Queen; I’m proud as proud can be, For I’ve a feather in my cap, As any one can see. THE LATEST NEWS We are here to bring great news, O Queen! We are here to bring great news! Do you know—! Do you know—!