Lucy inherited her father's size. At eighteen pounds, she was the largest of the Three Sisters, looming over Frieda and Cissy. She and Cissy were twins--white cats with orange polka-dots, but Lucy's markings were crisper, darker. Where Cissy had a white tail with red bands, Lucy's tail was auburn with narrow white rings. I loved her tail.

From the time she was very small, Lucy had the habit of going off by herself and falling so soundly asleep that she ignored our calling and searching for her. I gave her up for lost more than once. When she was awake, though, she would invariably greet me with her musical, soft meow, pressing against me as I caressed her smooth, sleek coat.

Lucy was such a good, gentle cat that I can't recall ever speaking sharply to her.