SOME CATS OF FRANCE 223 



and which expresses itself from time to time by a 



caress.' ' 



When M. Loti returned to France, he was met 

 by Moumoutte Blanche, and was accompanied by 

 Moumoutte Chinoise. It was an embarrassing situ- 

 ation, not unlike that of the Crusader who brought 

 home a Saracen wife, and presented her to his 

 Christian spouse. The poor little intruder was 

 lifted from her basket amid outcries at her ugliness ; 

 and, with an anxious heart, her master awaited the 

 result of the first crucial interview. It was unlike 

 anything he had anticipated, and reflected credit on 

 both rivals. The two cats flew to arms, and had a 

 battle royal for supremacy. The kitchen was the 

 scene of combat, desperate valour was shown by the 

 combatants, and only a liberal and impartial applica- 

 tion of cold water chilled their martial ardour, and 

 put an end to hostilities. Once separated, they 

 never fought again. Moumoutte Chinoise, wary 

 and alert, Moumoutte Blanche, pensive and sombre, 

 met each other in the daily intercourse of life, dis- 

 dainfully at first, then with growing cordiality, and 

 finally with an ardent friendship, beautiful to be- 

 hold. Jealousy was banished from their little hearts. 

 Intimate and inseparable, they dined and dozed and 

 played together, even making their toilets in com- 

 mon, and licking and smoothing each other's fur 

 with mutual tenderness and pride. 



