THE CAT. 223 



food, rejected it, and drooped and pined. The 

 servants, in whose care he was left, sent for a dog- 

 doctor, who, however, was not able to ascertain 

 that anything was the matter with the poor ani- 

 mal. At last he enquired whether any unusual 

 event had occurred, likely to occasion the state in 

 which he found the dog. The servants then re- 

 lated the above circumstance of his not having 

 been allowed to accompany his master as usual. 

 " Oh," exclaimed the doctor, I can do nothing 

 for him ; the creature is broken-hearted, and will 

 die." This appeared to be the case. The poor 

 affectionate animal died very shortly afterwards. 



A gentleman, well known for his kindness and 

 benevolence, but whose name I am requested not 

 to mention, was, in consequence of his fondness 

 for reading, almost constantly in his library. 

 While residing in London, he was disturbed one 

 day by a Cat coming down the chimney, and jump- 

 ing upon his knees, as if to claim his protection. 

 The animal was wounded, and had evidently been 

 much ill-treated. It came, however, to find a friend, 

 and found one. The kind-hearted owner of the 

 house allowed the cat to remain in his lap, and 

 soothed it with his voice, while it licked its 

 wounds. A mutual attachment was the conse- 

 quence. The cat showed her gratitude by follow- 

 ing her protector wherever she was able to do so, 

 and was his companion into Italy and various 



