BRAVE TOMASSO.

: Cinderella The Little Glass Slipper

There were once two very beautiful cats named Tomasso and Lilia.

It would be very hard indeed to say which was more beautiful than

the other, Tomasso the husband, or Lilia his wife.



They were about the same size, although, perhaps, Tomasso was a

little the stouter of the two. There could be no question that at

times the expression of his face was decidedly more fierce than

that of his gentle wife.
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The fur of each of them was as white as the driven snow, and as

soft, and fine, and glossy as the most perfect silk gloss.



Add to these natural charms the fact that they always kept

themselves beautifully clean, and always wore round their necks

cravats made of the richest satin ribbon, and I am sure you will

agree with me in thinking that they were cats of very high

degree.



Their neighbors considered them extremely proud and haughty. They

never were known to play with any of the cats in their street. To

be with each other was all they asked. Sometimes these neighbors

took a great deal of pains to get a glimpse of Tomasso and Lilia

as, paw in paw, they danced a minuet together.



Even the most grumpy grimalkin declared it was a beautiful sight.

There was no doubt the young couple was very graceful and their

manners were perfect. Then he said that cats brought up as

Tomasso and his wife had always lived, OUGHT to be amiable and

beautiful. He understood that a jar of Orange County cream was

ordered for them every day. Then he muttered something which

sounded very much as if he thought Tomasso would be not over

courageous in a moment of danger. "Alone, white tail is all very

fine," said he, "but mark my word, at a sudden fright it would

turn into a white feather. I should pity his wife if she had no

one but him to protect her."



Now it happened that that very afternoon Tomasso's courage was

put to the test. As he and Lilia were taking a quiet walk,

suddenly a huge dog rushed out at them. In an instant Tomasso

placed himself across Lilia's trembling body. She had fallen to

the ground in terror. The great dog made a jump at Tomasso, but

was met with such a snarl, and then such a blow from a set of

sharp claws that he ran away howling.



That night the news of Tomasso's bravery spread through the whole

neighborhood. But he was very quiet and modest. His proud wife

was much disturbed at a bad scratch Tomasso had received in the

struggle. They both examined it carefully with the aid of a

hand-glass.



"I hope it will not leave a scar," said Lilia, "but if it does it

will only be a proof of the noble courage of my brave Tomasso."



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