135 



'PRINCESS' 



She was not actually a king's daughter, as far as I know, 

 but she was so evidently high bred, and had such a 

 superior, aristocratic air about her, that the name seemed 

 perfectly appropriate. 



There could be no question as to her high descent and 

 pure blood. It was apparent in every one of her graceful 

 movements, in the exquisite softness and delicacy of her 

 grey coat, the thickness and fluffiness of the ruff she 

 wore round her neck, and the size and bushiness of her 

 superb tail. In a word Princess was a pure-bred Persian 

 cat, and her happy owners, Mrs. and Miss H., took great 

 pride in her possession, and much pleasure in her society. 



Indeed, they declared that her understanding was 

 quite beyond that of ordinary animals, and that she quite 

 understood much of their conversation. 



One day Miss H. went out to make some calls, and 

 on her return sat down to tell her mother all about her 

 visits. Princess jumped into her lap, and curled herself 

 up cosily, as if to listen to her adventures. 



Presently, Miss H. said : ' You have no idea, mother, 

 what a magnificent cat Mrs. Taylor has. It is immensely 

 big, and has one of the most splendid tails I ever saw.' 



In a moment, Princess rose, sprang from Miss H.'s 

 lap, and walked to the door, demanding to be let out. It 

 was clearly not for her to stay and hear one of her own 

 mistresses praising the charms of a horrid rival. 



Mrs. and Miss H. made acquaintance with a lady 

 whom we will call Miss Gray, and to Miss Gray 



