who was always ready for a game. "Is it
animal, vegetable, or mineral?"

"All three; that is, it belongs to all three kingdoms."

"Is it a house?" asked Kitty.

"No, it is not as big as a house."

"Is it useful or ornamental?" asked King.

"Both; but its principal use is to give pleasure."

"How lovely!" cried Marjorie. "I guess it's a fountain! Oh, Father, where
are you going to put it--on the side lawn? And will it have goldfish in
it, and shiny stones, and green water plants growing in it?"

"Wait a minute, Mops; don't go so fast! You see, it isn't a fountain, and
if you should put water and goldfish in it, you'd spoil it entirely."

"And any way, Father," said King, "you said it was a pet, didn't you?"

"Yes, my boy, a sort of pet."

"Can it talk?"

"No, it can't talk."

"Oh, I made sure it was a talking machine. What kind of a sound does it
make?"

"Well, it purrs sometimes."

"Then it is a kitten after all," cried Kitty.

"No, it isn't a kitten. It's bigger than a kitten."

"An old cat!" said Marjorie, scornfully.

"Pooh," said King, "we'll never get at it this way. Of course it isn't a
cat! Father wouldn't make so much fuss over just a cat."

"But I'm not making a fuss," protested Mr. Maynard; "I only told you I
had adopted a new pet, and suggested you guess what it is. If you give up
I'll tell you."

"I don't give up," cried Kitty; "what color is it?"

"Red," answered her father.

"Ho!" cried Kitty, with a sudden flash of inspiration, "it's an
automobile!"

"Right you are, Kitsie," said her father, "though I don't know why you
guessed it so quick."

"Well, nothing else is red and big. But why do you call it a pet? And how
does it purr?"

"You're so practical, Kitty, it's difficult to make you understand; but I
feel quite sure we'll all make a pet of it, and when you once hear it
purr, you'll think it a prettier sound than any kitten ever made."

"Is it really an automobile, Father? And have you bought it? And shall we
ride in it? Where is it? Where are you going to keep it? When will it
come? How many will it hold? Where shall we ride first?"

These queries were flung at Mr. Maynard by the breathless children
without waiting for answers, and as Mrs. Maynard came in just then,
Mr. Maynard told the story of his new acquisition.

"I've been looking at them for some time, as you know, Helen," he said,
looking at his wife, "and to-day I decided upon the purchase. It's a
big tourin