There was nothing, however, approaching passion on either side.
"One day a Chinchilla came to live in the neighbourhood, under the charge of an elderly spinster, and the two cats met at a garden wall party.
"'What sort of diggings have you got ?' asked the Chinchilla.
"'Oh, pretty fair.' "'Nice people ?' "'Yes, nice enough--as people go.' "'Pretty willing?
Look after you well, and all that sort of thing ?' "'Yes--oh yes.

I've no fault to find with them.' "'What's the victuals like ?' "'Oh, the usual thing, you know, bones and scraps, and a bit of dog-biscuit now and then for a change.' "'Bones and dog-biscuits! Do you mean to say you eat bones ?' "'Yes, when I can get 'em.

Why, what's wrong about them ?' "'Shade of Egyptian Isis, bones and dog-biscuits! Don't you ever get any spring chickens, or a sardine, or a lamb cutlet ?' "'Chickens! Sardines! What are you talking about?
What are sardines ?' "'What are sardines! Oh, my dear child (the Chinchilla was a lady cat, and always called gentlemen friends a little older than herself 'dear child'), these people of yours are treating you just shamefully.

Come, sit down and tell me all about it.

What do they give you to sleep on ?' "'The floor.' "'I thought so; and skim milk and water to drink, I suppose ?' "'It _is_ a bit thin.' "'I can quite imagine it.