fear of disturbing them; yet he was generally thought to be a passionate, sour-tempered man. It is said that Cardinal Wolsey used to accommodate his favourite Cat with part of his regal seat when he gave an audience or received princely company.
There is a funny story told of Barrett, the painter, another lover of Cats. He had for pets a Cat and a kitten, its progeny. A friend seeing two holes in the bottom of his door, asked him for what purpose he made them there. Barrett said it was for the Cats to go in and out.
"Why," replied his friend, "would not one do for both?"
"You silly man," answered the painter, "how could the big Cat get into the little hole?"
"But," said his friend, "could not the little one go through the big hole?"
"Dear me," cried Barrett, "so she could; well, I never thought of that."
M. Sonnini had an Angora Cat, of which he writes: "This animal was my principal amusement for several years. How many times have her tender caresses made me forget my troubles, and consoled me in my misfortunes. My beautiful companion at length perished. After several days of suffering,
