SISTER SERAPHIM'S DEAL WITH GOD

Mother Superior wrung her hands. "Sister Seraphim, you know full good and well that a convent is not a refuge for every stray cat."

"Yes, Mother."

"One mouser per convent is quite enough."

"Yes, Mother." The diminutive Russian Orthodox nun bowed her head, more to conceal a grin than to convey contrition.

At that moment, a voice in the hallway murmured, "Oh! The sweet precious babies. Please Sister Seraphim, the mama must have another saucer of milk."

The diminutive Russian Orthodox nun slipped unnoticed out of the room.

Mother Superior shook her finger at empty air. "And just last week we found the kitchen coffer empty because you took the money to purchase two ragged kitties from little boys, who were unable to care for them." Mother added, "And Sister, how many times must I remind you, you are not allowed to raid the refrigerator for meat for the cats."

Sister Seraphim returned to the lecture scene. "Yes Mother, but when I was but a child, I made a deal with God."

"Sister Seraphim," Mother said with long-suffering patience, "We do not make deals with God!"

"I do," Sister said serenely. "I vowed early in life to take care of all living creatures who came my way so long as God provided the means."

Mother Superior sighed as she watched the sisters file into Sister Seraphim's room to coo and pet the newest addition to Sister Seraphim's collection of waifs--Grisette and her three newborn white balls of fluff.