the cat - World eBook Library

the cat - World eBook Library the cat - World eBook Library

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=THE CAT his displeasure by going to bed and to sleep with- out me. I was so touched by this mute protest against my innocent dissipations that I resolved to amend my ways; but it was a long time before I could convince Pierrot that my conversion was sin- cere. Many nights of unbroken punctuality were needed to restore his confidence, and induce him to take up his old post by the door, and to receive me with his old urbanity. It is no easy task to win the friendship of a cat. He is a philosopher, sedate, tranquil, a creature of habit, a lover of decency and order. He does not bestow his regard lightly, and, though he may con- sent to be your companion, he will never be your slave. Even in his most affectionate moods he preserves his freedom, and refuses a servile obedi- ence. But once gain his absolute confidence, and he is a friend for life. He shares your hours of work, of solitude, of melancholy. He spends whole evenings on your knee, purring and dozing, content with your silence, and spurning for your sake the society of his kind. In vain loud miaul- ings from the neighbouring roof summon him to those choice entertainments where red herrings take the place of tea. He pays no heed, and cannot be tempted from your side. If you put him down, he leaps back again, mewing a gentle protest. 100

THE CAT= From time to time he looks into your face with eyes so human, so full of understanding and regard, that you are smitten by fear. Can it be possible that there is no thought behind that absorbed and mysterious scrutiny? Menagerie Intime, Theophile Gautiee. 101

THE CAT=<br />

From time to time he looks into your face with eyes<br />

so human, so full of understanding and regard,<br />

that you are smitten by fear. Can it be possible<br />

that <strong>the</strong>re is no thought behind that absorbed and<br />

mysterious scrutiny?<br />

Menagerie Intime, Theophile Gautiee.<br />

101

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