“Of course I did,” returned Mona coolly. “Make up your mind to do a thing, and you can do it. You know Mr. and Mrs. Denville go for a walk together nearly every afternoon after he leaves his bank. They go away out Commonwealth Avenue and into the Fens. I used to enjoy these walks so much, but after I quarrelled with Dolly, they would not take me, and I suffered from lack of exercise. However, after I made up with Dolly, the little creature would not go without me, and I assure you that we have lovely times together. I have never regretted my resolution not to indulge in jealousy.”
“But Dolly has a sweet disposition,” I said gloomily, “and this cat is a low-down thing.”
“That's true,” said Mona cheerily, “but you can try to improve her. Be kind to her, and she will be kind to you.”
“Are you sure of that?” I asked.
Mona looked thoughtful. “I must say,” she went on, “that there are some ungrateful natures in the world. I once knew a dog that no kindness would melt. Perhaps he was a little crazy. Perhaps he had had bad parents.”
“This cat isn't crazy,” I said with assurance, “she is a sneak.”
“I don't like her getting in your bed when you were not in the room,” continued Mona. “If I were you, I would not let her impose on me. I would make her find a bed elsewhere, but my advice to you is not to quarrel with her. Be very patient, and remember that it is better to be imposed upon than to impose on others; and my advice to you is not to run away and leave the field to her. Keep with your mistress. Demand your share of the petting. Don't let the new cat get ahead of you. You have the advantage, anyway. You are better bred, better looking and cleaner.”
“Those are not advantages,” I said sorrowfully; “those are disadvantages. The worse-looking a creature is, the better my dear Mary likes it.”
“Then clean up the cat, lick her, get her to hold herself up, and not sneak along the way she does.”
“Mona,” I said, “you are a good dog. I am much obliged to you for your advice, and I will run right up-stairs and see what I can do,” and I left her.