Page:The Book of Cats.djvu/38

20 smile; "but, my dear Mrs. H—, we have no Cat!"

"Indeed! that is very odd, for there is certainly a Cat in the room."

"Did you see it then?"

"No, sir, no: I did not see it, but I know it is in the room."

"Do you fancy you heard one then?"

"No, sir."

"What is the matter, my dear?" now enquires the lady of the house, from the end of the long table; "the dinner will be quite cold while you are talking to your fair neighbour so busily."

"Mrs. H— says there is a Cat in the room, my love; but we have no Cat, have we?"

"No, certainly!" replied the lady tartly. "Do carve the haunch, Mr.—."

The footman held the plate nearer, a due portion of the savoury meat was placed upon it.

"To Mrs. H—," said the host, and turned to look again at his fair neighbour; but her uneasiness and confusion were greater than ever. Her brow was crimson—every eye was turned towards her, and she looked ready to cry.

"I will leave the room, if you will allow me, sir, for I know that there is a Cat in the room."