Page:I am a Cat (1906).djvu/146

 132 no name. Still this maid dared call me “nora.” Insolent woman !

“But such nora will not be saved. I am sure, by any divine benediction, as he is an old sinful beast.”

I do not know how many times this “nora” was repeated after this, for I turned away from their endless chat. When I slipped off the cushion and jumped down from the veranda, I at once erected my eighty-eight thousand eight hundred and eighty hairs and gave myself a hearty shake. I have never since approached the music teacher’s house. By this time it is likely that she herself is being offered a sparing prayer by Rev. Gekkeiji.

I am not plucky enough to stir out of late, and feel wearisome of the world. I have become as lazy a stay-at-home as is my master. In fact, I begin to think it reasonable that his habit of keeping in his study can be ascribed to his supposed lost love.

I have as yet caught no rats; and once even a question was brought forth by the maid to turn me out. But my master who knows I am not an ordinary cat would not accept such a proposal. And there I am in his house, still whiling away my time. In this respect I am very grateful to him, and at the same time I do not hesitate to