“We are saved! a generous cat has come to our aid. Ah, Minette, how joyous it is to come to life again!
“BÉBÉ.”
FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME. SEVENTH LETTER.
“You do not reply, Minette. What is the reason? Ought I to excuse you? I have great news, I am going to be married. I have consented to wed our deliverer. He is elderly and fat, but very good. I feel certain you will approve of the step. His name is Pompon, a nice name which suits him well. It is, besides, a good match, he is a well-fed cat. You see my education has led me to view this union in a plain practical way. Write soon, lazy one!
“BÉBÉ.”
FROM MINETTE TO BÉBÉ. EIGHTH LETTER (written in pencil).
“While I write to you, Bébé, my maid—the one kept for me by my mistress—is engaged in making a linen bag, when finished I will be thrust into it, it will be sewn up, and I shall be carried off by the footman and thrown into the river.
“This is to be my fate.
“Do you know why, Bébé. It is because I am sick, and my mistress, who has the most superfine feelings, dreads the sight of suffering and death. ‘Poor Rosa Mika,’ she said, ‘how she is changed!’ and in a sad voice gave the fatal order, ‘Be sure to drown her well, do not have her suffer pain.’
“Ah, Bébé, what do you say now? Do you still envy my miseries? My illness prevented me from writing. Adieu.