time, and disposed to resent her intrusion; but the mother's joy was as excessive as if she had been parted from them for but a single night.
In fact, maternal affection is the only sentiment which can compete in the cat's little heart with her fondness for her dwelling-place. She loves her kittens, and she loves her home; and, when these two emotions contend for mastery, it will be generally found that her love for her kittens triumphs. A pathetic proof of this was afforded by a cat belonging to an English military chaplain at Madras. Her master, moving to the other side of the town, left her behind, or rather gave her to the new tenant, believing she would be more content under her familiar rooftree. Six weeks later she stood at his door, holding in her mouth a young kitten,
"Sole daughter of her house and heart,"
which, when admitted, she laid at his feet for sanctuary. It was then discovered that the rest of her litter had been drowned; and the poor mother, with an intelligence miraculously sharpened by love and fear, had carried the one little survivor to her only friend, to beg his pity and protection.
For what pangs are suffered all their lives by these animals whose fecundity is their bane; little Rachels whose mute wretchedness no one heeds nor commiserates, and who mourn, briefly, it is true,
