The most remarkable thing about them was their affection for each
other. Young rats would chew the crusts thrown to old toothless rats, so
that they might more easily eat them, and if a young rat dared help
itself before an old one, the others punished it."
"That sounds very interesting, auntie," said Miss Laura. "Where did you
read it?"
"I have just got the magazine," said Mrs. Wood; "you shall have it as
soon as you come into the house."
"I love to be with you, dear auntie," said Miss Laura, putting her arm
affectionately around her, as they stood in the doorway; "because you
understand me when I talk about animals. I can't explain it," went on my
dear young mistress, laying her hand on her heart, "the feeling I have
here for them. I just love a dumb creature, and I want to stop and talk
to every one I see. Sometimes I worry poor Bessie Drury, and I'm so
sorry, but I can't help it. She says, 'What makes you so silly, Laura?'"
Miss Laura was standing just where the sunlight shone through her
light-brown hair, and made her face all in a glow. I thought she looked
more beautiful than I had ever seen her before, and I think Mrs.
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