about five o'clock in the morning
The youngest always performed the duties of servant , while one of the elder ones would entertain the rest by playing airs from the latest opera , or singing a love-song , the music of which she had herself composed . It is true some animals who dwelt close by complained of this music , and called it by all kinds of ill names ; but that is ever the jealous way of the world : and the kittens frequently performed serenades in their garden by moonlight , when all who passed by would stay to listen to their melody . But to our tale . It happened that , one fine summer 's afternoon , when the kittens were all enjoying themselves at tea ; when Paulina , the eldest , was warbling some of her most delightful songs , and Violet , the second , was entertaining the rest , in an under tone , with a little bit of scandal about a neighbouring Tabby , whom she had seen coming home in a sad condition about five o'clock in the morning , when she , Miss Violet , was taking her early walk ; -- just at this moment there sounded a tap at the door , and presently in came Diana , the youngest sister , bearing in her hand more cakes for tea , and in the plate with them a note addressed to Miss Rose , -- the next to Violet in age , and by most people considered the beauty of the family . Violet took the letter eagerly from Diana ; but when she saw the address , she remarked that it was evidently a gentleman 's handwriting , and tossing her head somewhat disdainfully , she handed it to Miss Rose , who blushed very much , and retired with it to the sofa . Rose opened the note with trembling paws , and a sweet smile played on her features as she read its contents ; then , carefully folding it up , she observed to her sisters that it was merely an invitation for a walk , and springing on to the back of the sofa , she jumped through the open window , and retired to her own summer-house up a fine sycamore-tree in the garden . This incident , as may be imagined , caused a great sensation among the sisters ; and all wondered very much who could have been the writer of the note that had so evidently pleased Miss Rose .