"In her Youth she caressed a Kitten."
"I depart To-morrow!"
"Poor cat!" resumed the lady, with emotion, "it is necessary that we should be separated! I cannot bring you with me, for my sister has the weakness to hate animals of your species; she pretends they are treacherous. What slander! In her youth she caressed a kitten, who, too much excited by marks of affection, scratched her involuntarily. Was it from wickedness? No, it was from sensibility. However, since that day my sister has sworn an eternal hatred for cats."
Moumouth regarded his mistress with an air which seemed to say,—
"But you, at least, you do us justice, truly superior woman!"
After a moment of silence and meditation, the Countess added,—
"Mother Michel, I confide my cat to you."
"We will take good care of him, madame," said Father Lustucru.