A FASCINATING TALE
Artist: Madame Henriette Ronner (rön´´nẽr).
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Holland.
Dates: Born, 1821. Still living, 1916.
Questions to arouse interest. In what room are these kittens? Why do you think so? Where is the mother cat? the kittens? What are they looking at? Why do you think the mouse does not know that the kittens can see his tail? Which one do you think will catch the mouse? Which one has the sharpest eyes? Which one looks frightened? Which one looks surprised? Why do you suppose they did not catch the mouse before it tried to hide? If they keep very still, what will the mouse think? What will he do? What will happen then? What is on the table beside the kittens? What may happen to the ink bottle if the big cat jumps? What is the color of these kittens' fur? How many of you have a pet kitten at home? Which one of these would you rather have? Why is the picture called "A Fascinating Tale"?
The story of the picture. Early one morning two plump little kittens started out in search of adventure. The library door was open, and both little kittens heard a queer rustling noise on the big library table. Up on a chair they jumped, then up on the table, just in time to see a little mouse darting under some papers. The mouse thought the kittens would not know where it was if it kept very still; but there was its tail in plain sight.
The kittens were so frightened they did not know what to do. They tried to remember all their mother had taught them about catching a mouse, but they could only watch that tail, scarcely breathing for fear it would move. The mother cat came just then, hunting for her kittens. When she saw them keeping so still she knew there must be something the matter.
In the picture she is all ready to spring upon the mouse as soon as he moves, so she can be sure to catch him. How confident she looks, and how pleased she is that the kittens found the mouse and will help her catch it! The kittens are so excited it is doubtful whether they can help very much; but if she can persuade one of them just to touch that tail, then all will be a scramble. More likely they will all keep so still that the mouse will think he is alone and come out.
