lled thoughtfully along the top
of the area railings. I rather hoped I might see Mrs. Tabby. I wondered
how her subscription list was getting on. I felt all the difference
between a lady's interest in a Reduced Gentlewomen's Benevolent
Institution or a Poor Annuitants' Home, when she is well and wealthy,
and the same lady's interest when some turn of Misfortune's wheel has
left her "dependent on her own exertions." It seemed that I was to be
left dependent on my own exertions--and my thoughts turned naturally to
Mrs. Tabby and the Deserted Cats' Fund.

But not a sign of the good creature! At this moment a hansom cab rattled
up, and a gentleman got out and rang our front-door bell. As he got out
of the cab, I jumped down from the railings, and rubbed against his
legs--he had very long legs.

"Halloa, Toots! is that you?" said he in a kindly voice, which had
always had attractions for me, and which in my present mood was
particularly grateful. His hat was set well on the back of his head, and
I could clearly see the friendly expression of his countenance. Suddenly
he tilted it over his nose, which I have observed that he is apt to do
when struck by a new idea. "Toots!" said he abruptly, "what are they
going to do with you?"

Blessings on this kind of friend! say I; the friend who will encumber
himself with the responsibility of thinking what's to become of you,
when you are down in the world. Those tender-hearted souls who can't
bear to think of your misfortunes are a much more numerous part of one's
acquaintance.

A ray of hope began to dawn upon me. Perhaps a new and an even more
luxurious home was to be offered for my acceptance. In what foolish
panic had I begun to identify myself with the needy classes of society?
A cat of my stripes and style! Once more I thought of benevolent
institutions from a patronizing point of view. But I would be a patron,
and a generous one. The shock _had_ done so much! And the next time Mrs.
Tabby called I would _pick out a lot of my best bones for the Fund_.

Meanwhile, I went back to the railings, and from these took a flying
leap, and perched myself on the gentleman's shoulder. I could hardly
have managed it from the ground, he had such very long legs.

I think, by the bye, that I have mentioned this before. I do not wish to
repeat myself, or to dwell on my grievance, though, if his legs had been
shorter, his riding-boots would not have been so long, and I might at
this moment k