‘Down, sir! Lie down!’
The leopard lay down, flat—flatter than you would think a leopard could lie.
‘It understands,’ said Charlotte.
‘Oh yes.’ Caroline’s voice trembled as much as the hand that held the candlestick. ‘It does. Poor Pussy! Poor Leopard, then.’
A faint rumbling sound came from the crouching heap of spotted fur.
‘I believe it’s trying to purr,’ whispered Caroline. ‘Of course leopards’ purrs would be different.’
‘Give a paw, then,’ she said very shakily. And the leopard lifted a ragged-looking forefoot. But even Caroline had not the courage to reach out a hand towards it.
‘Go to sleep, good dog, then,’ she said in a distracted whisper. ‘Go to sleep, go by-by, good little leopard, then.’
The leopard curled up and lay quite still.