XV
CAT ANECDOTES
I HAVE never been particularly fond of poetry; it has always, with a few exceptions, seemed to me to be "wishy-washy."
One day when it was quite dismal and rainy, Miss Eleanor said, "This little poem of Tupper's is a real protest for the future life and immortality of animals."
Of course that great big word was a poser, but after a time spent under the bed and a great deal of stuttering I mastered it. Then she read these lines, and I must quote them because they may influence those who never have any mind of their own, and depend on other people's opinions, to believe that cats have an after life.
"Are these then made in vain?
Is man alone, of all the marvels of creative love
Blest with a scintillation of his essence?
"To say that God annihilated aught
Were to declare that in an unwise hour
He planned and made somewhat superfluous."
And then she read the story of the poor wretch whom no one followed to the grave but his faithful dog, who walked so mournfully behind the hearse.
Yes, I could understand and see it all, and when Miss Milly wiped her eyes, and Miss Eleanor's voice grew tremulous, I had to wink and sneeze several times to conceal from them how deeply I was touched.