122 SOXXIXI AND TITS CAT. 



ever so much handler!, she never exerted her claws 

 from their sheath. Sensible of caresses, she licked 

 the hand that stroked her, or even that by which 

 she was teased. When travelling, she would lie 

 quietly upon my knees, without the necessity of 

 being held ; she made no noise, nor was she at all 

 troublesome while near me, or any other person 

 she was in the habit of seeing. When I was alone 

 she sat at my side, would sometimes interrupt me 

 with little affectionate caresses in the midst of my 

 labours or meditations, and she would also follow 

 me in my walks. In my absence she would seek 

 me, and at first cry after me with uneasiness ; and 

 if I did not soon make my appearance, she would 

 leave my apartment, and attach herself to the per- 

 son in the house whom, after me, she most loved. 

 She knew my voice, and seemed to receive me 

 every time with increased satisfaction. Her step 

 was straight, her gait free, and her look as mild as 

 her disposition ; in a word, under the brilliant and 

 furry skin of a cat, she possessed the good temper 

 of the most amiable dog. 



" This animal was for many years my delight. 

 How expressively was her attachment painted in 

 her face 1 How often have her fond caresses di- 

 verted my mind from care, and consoled me in my 

 misfortunes 1 How often has an animal of a species 

 accused of treachery formed, at my house, a strik- 



