Page:The fireside sphinx.djvu/101

 Rh Still more pathetic is the story of Mlle. du Puy's music loving cat, who listened with critical attention when his mistress played upon the harp; manifesting his pleasure if she played well, and his annoyance if she blundered. Mlle. du Puy attributed her skill as a harpist mainly to this cat's taste and judgment; and, to mark her gratitude for so great a service, she bequeathed him at her death a town house, a country house, and an income sufficient to maintain both establishments. Her family, grasping and avaricious as are most kith and kin, contested the will, and succeeded, after a long struggle in the courts, in wresting from the legatee an estate which, by every law of justice and morality, was his, and his alone.

Of all the cats, however, whom Moncrif delighted to applaud, none fills so proud a place in his letters, and in our regard, as Grisette, the beloved pet of Mme. Deshoullières.

Grisette was a cat of parts. Her manners were marked by gentle distinction; and to her rare beauty were added intelligence, and a somewhat chilling sweetness of character. She inspired affection in all whom she honoured with her notice;