86 Union Square Jim 



fetish. Rubbing the back of a cat is a familiar way 

 of generating electricity. Cats have been said to 

 possess nine lives. But whether there is even a 

 foundation of truth in all these theories, it is certain 

 that a great, almost a mysterious, friendship arose 

 between Miss Blank, the actress, and Jim. The 

 luxurious fellow would lie curled up on her dressing 

 table, lazily watching her various movements from 

 the corners of his half-open eyes. This seemed to 

 please her. 



c Do you think I shall make a " hit " to-night, 

 Jim ? ' she would inquire, looking into the depths of 

 his large eyes for a reply. Whatever that reply may 

 have been, it certainly seemed to satisfy the lady, for 

 she would go on the stage with a brighter smile and 

 more confidence than she possessed before. 



Jim usually accompanied her to the wings, but 

 he was too well bred to venture outside that limit. 

 Once in his earlier days he had shown himself to 

 the public, and the effect had been both startling and 

 ludicrous. A would-be tragedian had rented the 

 theatre for a limited term, with the hope that his 

 metropolitan appearance would assist him in the 



