THE CAT TO-DAY 285 



&quot; The gentler hound that near me lies, 

 Looks up with true and tender eyes, 

 And waits my generous mirth ; 

 You do not woo me, but demand 

 A gift from my unwilling hand, 

 A tribute to your worth. 



&quot; You loved me when the fire was warm, 

 But, now I stretch a fondling arm, 



You eye me and depart. 

 Cold eyes, sleek skin, and velvet paws, 

 You win my indolent applause, 



You do not win my heart ! &quot; 



Here is a clear and candid exposition of the case. 

 The cat, indeed, as Montaigne discovered, but with 

 out resentment, long ago, awaits no one s mirth. 

 &quot; We entertain each other with mutual follies, and 

 if I have my time to begin or to refuse, she also 

 has hers.&quot; The essence of free social intercourse 

 demands this mutual independence, this mutual 

 background of reserve. A Nautch girl dances 

 when she is bidden ; an Englishwoman is privi 

 leged to dance or not, according to her fancy. I 

 have often thought that the behaviour of a well-bred 

 cat, when courted against her will, was singularly 

 like the behaviour of a well-bred man or woman, 

 forced by the exigencies of life to receive unwel 

 come attentions. She offers no rude resistance to 

 the &quot; fondling arm,&quot; and even purrs a few languid 

 remarks, equivalent to &quot;Delightful evening.&quot; &quot; So 



