Letters From a Cat: Published by Her Mistress for the Benefit of All Cats and the Amusement of Little Children (6 page)

send children out of the room, and leave me behind, when I knew per fectly well that the children would neither notice nor understand half so much as I would. There are some houses in which I lived, before I came to live with you, about which I could tell strange stories if I chose.

Caesar pretends that he likes the looks of little spots of pink skin, here and there, in fur; but I know he only does it to save my feelings, for it isn't in human nature- -1 mean in cat's nature- -that any one should. You see I spend so much more time in the society of men and wo-

men than of cats, that I find myself constantly using expressions which sound queerly in a cat's mouth. But you know me well enough to be sure that every thing I say is per fectly natural. And now, my dear Helen, I hope I have prepared you to see me looking perfectly hideous. I only trust that your love for me will not be entirely killed by my unfortunate appearance. If you do seem to love me less, I shall be wretched, but I shall still be, always, Your affectionate PUSSY.