sing that she is somewhat addicted to
selfishness, that she may justly be suspected of occasional
hypocrisy, and that she is to blame for too readily using her claws.

These are, all of them, human as well as cattish faults; but, if
pussy has in her the capacity for something better, for self-forgetting
and devoted affection, we must treat her with such patient, enduring
kindness and perfect justice as may cherish all that is good in her
nature. In short, can we not overcome her evil by our good? Let
us try, boys!

One thing I have not yet told you in relation to cats, and that is
what pets they are made in France. No drawing room seems complete
without a beautiful cat. The cats are well trained and are very
gentle.

The Angora cat is most prized. She is fed with the greatest care,
and, in all respects, is treated like a respected member of the
family; and noticed, of course, by visitors. I have seen a beautiful
cat go from one guest to another to be caressed like a little child.

These pet cats are playthings. They are not expected to catch rats
and mice, but are idle creatures, and only amuse themselves and
others. It is considered a special attention for any gentleman or
lady to make a present of a pet cat."

"What's the use of cats who can't catch rats and mice?" said Frank.
"Do the French pet the mice, too? I wonder what comes of the bread
and cheese?"

"O, the people have another set of cats, whom they call gutter cats,
who catch rats and mice. The gutter cats never come into the drawing
room; but they are treated well in the kitchen, and made as happy as
possible.

I was told that these working cats were far more intelligent than
the pets of the drawing room.

I knew a French seamstress who had a gutter cat, of which she was
very fond. One day the cat fell from the roof of the house. She
seemed dead, but her faithful friend put her upon a soft bed, gave
her homoeopathic medicine, and watched all night by her to put a
drop of something into her mouth if she moved. At last the cat gave
signs of life, and by good nursing her life was saved.

I saw once in Paris a man carrying about a splendid large mouse-colored
cat, dressed up with ribbons.

The creature was twice the common size, and gentle as a lamb. He was
for sale; the price, sixty francs, which is twelve dollars. Every
body who was not too busy, stopped to stroke Master Puss."

"He would have done to wear boots," cried Harry. "I should like him