As the hour approached for her husband’s return, she became nervous. She went from room to room checking to see if the house was flawless, following behind the maids to make sure everything was just so. She was sure there were flowers in every room, and their home was pristinely clean.

As she did her rounds for the fourth or fifth time, fussing again in her bedroom making sure everything was just right, Rebecca came into the room holding a small basket and wearing a wide grin.

“What do you have there, Rebecca, and why do you look so pleased with yourself?” Lady Tremaine asked.

“It’s a gift for you,” Rebecca said, handing her the basket. “To make up for leaving behind the book of fairy tales.” She looked as though she felt truly sorry, and seemed to have been brooding about it since she had unpacked Lady Tremaine’s things to find she hadn’t packed it after all.

“Perhaps it wasn’t left behind, Rebecca. Don’t rebuke yourself too much. I am sad not to have it, but maybe it will turn up.” Lady Tremaine looked in the basket and noticed there was something wiggling under some red silk.

“You didn’t!” Lady Tremaine squealed like a little girl. She lifted the red silk to reveal the sweetest little black-and-white kitten she had ever seen. “You did! Oh, Rebecca, he is precious.” She took him out of the basket and held him up to get a better look at his adorable face. “Oh my goodness. Who are you? And look at his smart bow!” He squirmed in her hands, and she placed him on the bed. “He is so cute, Rebecca, thank you.”

Just then the kitten sprang off the bed, attaching himself to Lady Tremaine’s beautiful dress and making her laugh. “Oh, you little devil!” she said, detaching the kitten from her dress. “I think I will name you Lucifer. That’s the perfect name for a devilish creature like you, ruining my beautiful dress.”

“Here, my lady, let me take him for you.” Rebecca gingerly took the kitten from Lady Tremaine and put him back in the basket. “I will keep him for you this evening. You don’t need…what did you say his name was again?” she asked.

“Lucifer,” said Lady Tremaine. Rebecca still looked puzzled so Lady Tremaine explained. “He’s a devil, the ruler of the underworld.”

Recognition dawned on her face. “Oh, like Hades!” she said, laughing. “Yes, this little guy is mischievous. I think the name fits.” She smiled and gave him a pat on the head. “It doesn’t look like he damaged your dress,” she said, squinting at it closely, and then looking up at Lady Tremaine’s face. “You look beautiful, my lady. I’m sure Sir Richard will swoon.”

Lady Tremaine wasn’t so sure but didn’t say so to Rebecca.