He, the most intelligent of Two-Paws, was
leaning over her listening to her breathing, dimly aware of an invisible
presence. I overcame my aversion and looked at her. I was melancholy and
jealous. He must love her, thought I, to go so near and defend her, to
kiss her, imbued as She is with the evil charm. Would He hold me to his
heart, if I--
TOBY-DOG, (_imperatively_)
'Sh!
KIKI-THE-DEMURE
What?
TOBY-DOG
She stirred.
KIKI-THE-DEMURE
No.
TOBY-DOG, (_alert, looking at her_)
No ... She didn't stir, but her thoughts did. I felt them. Continue.
KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_who has recovered his equanimity_)
I don't know now what we were talking about.
TOBY-DOG
The fev--
KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_quickly_)
Enough. Don't recall it. Fever is the beginning of the thing one never
speaks of.
TOBY-DOG, (_shivering_)
Yes, I know.... I don't like an animal that can't move. You know what I
mean ...
KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_laughing cruelly_)
Nor do I. I can only eat live birds, and as for the tiny mice, I prefer
to swallow them, squeak and all....
TOBY-DOG
Why does it amuse you to horrify me? You've a certain vanity that I
can't understand.
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