PUSS.—A PROTEST.
tro THE EDITOR OF THE usaaareveal SrR,—You have personally agrieved me, but even "constructive imagination" does not suggest that you will be much moved by that. Well, then, you have done disparagement to the feeling- and character of a highly estimable cat—now I have your ear— by the surely over-hasty dictum, to which you last week lent all the weight of the Spectator's authority, that no "man who boasts the real intimacy and confidence of a cat would call his four-footed friend 'Puss.'"
My cat, Sir, or rather the cat holding office, duly established,
as the cat of this vicarage, does me the honour, or let me say,. indulges the affectionateness of her own nature, by giving me her "real intimacy and confidence." When her practical character- leads her "not to be a mere spectator when food is being dis- cussed," her resort is to my shoulder. After enjoying the night air, she comes regularly to my chamber-window—" a spirit in her feet," perhaps, as erst in Shelley's—for admission to an early good-morning. She sits upon the table often at family prayers. She will hasten to welcome me as soon as the front-door opens on my return from the parish. She will hide her kittens in the recesses of my bed, as in a place of assured safety. She bestows- upon me, time after time, such pleasant crowings, that some in the- house are always expecting when she will " speak like a Christian." And yet, Sir, I always address her as "Puss." It is her name of office, and like myself, she is pleased with her office and proud of it. I say "Puss," as I should say "Captain," "
"Duke," "Archbishop," "Prince,"—if, that is, I could "boast the real intimacy and confidence" of any dukes, archbishops, or princes.
I had intended this to be a mere private remonstrance, but as I proceed, the feeling grows upon me that it should be a public
one. I appeal, like every one else, to the Spectator's well-known fairness. I declare that I was quite as indignant at that unhappy "K." as ever Canon Trevor could be. I seem to understand better now the Roman dialare to the letter. You will be doing a pleasure to my wife, too, who has been longing to see " Puss " in the Spectator, ever since Miss Colenso's doge obtained admission. there. Finally you will be doing a pleasure to " Puss " herself, who shall have a feast upon the occasion,—"a very elegant one, too," as Crinkles says in the " Gorgias," which I have just been reading over again.—I am, Sir, Sze.,
Previous page
