122 SONNINI AND IIIS CAT.

ever so much handled, she never exerted her claws
from their sheath. Sensible of caresses, she hcked
the hand that stroked her, or even that by which
she was teased. When travelling, she would he
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 ag 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! How often have her fond caresses di-
verted my mind from care, and consoled me in my
misfortunes! How often has an animal of a specics
accused of treachery formed, at my house, a strik-