Uncle Max was a naturalist, and travelled to every corner of the world,
bringing back something curious and interesting from each place.
At last supper was served, to the immense satisfaction of the whole
party,--for the children always brought home new appetites from the
coasting-ground, and were prepared, both old and young, to do full
justice to the steaming dishes set before them.
"Well," said Colonel Ritter, glancing across the table at his little
daughter, who was seated beside her mother, and already too busily
engaged in satisfying her hunger to look up from her plate. "Well, well;
it seems rather strange to think that Pussy has no hand to spare for her
papa to-day. I have not had one single kiss, and now it is too late."
With a contrite air Pussy pushed back her plate, saying, "O papa, I
forgot! I will give you"--
But her father said, quickly, "No, no; do not make a disturbance now,
child. Give me your hand across the table; we will have the rest later.
That will do now, Pussy."
"What was this child christened, Marie? I was certainly present at the
ceremony, but I have utterly forgotten her name. Not Pussy, I am sure,"
said Uncle Max, laughing.
"You certainly were present, Max," replied his sister, "for you are the
child's godfather. She was named Marie. At this time her father
nicknamed her Pussy, and Otto has multiplied that in the most
nonsensical manner.
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