A PAGE OF HIGH HISTORY 



air of one who was used to them, though he caused 

 some criticism by switching his tail in an unknightly 

 fashion. Seated high on a sofa cushion, he purred 

 contentedly and received the homage of his loyal 

 retainers. He closed his eyes, bristled up his whis- 

 kers and smiled like a Cheshire cat. Even Sir Jingo 

 McBore could not have given him any pointers on 

 noble and knightly conduct. I am afraid that if 

 he receives much more homage of this kind he will 

 become too haughty to associate with the other cats 

 and will pose as "the cat that walks alone." Still 

 his nature may not be changed entirely by his new- 

 found honours. I noticed that once in a while he 

 would stretch out a paw in a sleepy way and spread 

 his claws as if he were dreaming of mice, for he 

 has been a famous mouser. I hate to think that he 

 may become a social butterfly on account of his 

 title, but a stanza from Calverly haunts my memory. 

 As nearly as I can remember it runs like this: 



"In vain they set the cream jug out 

 And cull the choice sardine, 

 I fear he never more will be 

 The cat that he has been." 



199 



