ld be no fear of not having opportunities
enough. Here was one ready at hand. Instead of worrying that kitten, who
was now in my power, I would magnanimously endure her existence. I would
do more; I would let her know that she had nothing any longer to fear
from me; and in pursuance of this kind intention, I walked about the
room in search of her.

I soon descried her, perched upon the top of a high bookcase, not daring
to come down for fear of me. She was altered by recent events, though
not so much as I. She looked forlorn and uncomfortable, but not shaggy,
haggard, or dirty. The regard to her toilette which had characterised
her in better days still clung to her, and made her neat and tidy in
misfortune. The blue ribbon round her neck was indeed faded, but in
other respects she looked as clean and white and sleek as Lily herself.
She had evidently licked herself all over every day, instead of moping
in the dirt. She and Lily had always been somewhat alike in point of
cleanliness. Indeed, I once imagined that Lily must lick herself all
over in order to look so clean; but on further consideration I had
reason to believe that she commonly attained her object by plunging into
cold water, more after my own fashion.

But to return to the kitten. There she stood, the very picture of fear;
her legs stretched, her tail arched, her back raised, trying to assume
the best posture of defence she could, but evidently believing it of no
use. She mewed louder at every step I took nearer. Even if I had been
inclined to harm her, she was safe enough on the top of that high
bookcase; but she did not know that. In her inexperience, she fancied me
able to spring about the world as she did, and expected every moment
that I should perch on the carved oak crown, and seize her in my mouth,
jump down again and crunch her as she would a mouse.

She began running backwards and forwards on the top of her bookcase,
mewing piteously at every turn. I understood her language: it meant,
"Oh, what shall I do? Mew, mew! Pray, my lord, have pity upon an
unfortunate kitten! Mew, mew, mew! If you will let me run away this
time, I will keep out of your lordship's sight all the rest of my life.
Mew, mew, mew! Oh dear, I had not the least intention of intruding on
your highness; I thought your majesty was in the stable. I wish I was
in the coal-cellar myself. Oh, oh, pray! oh, mew!"

So she went on for a long time, in too great a fright to observe the
en