You are softening toward the young rascal because he is ill, and because he says he likes cats." "It is an engaging quality, Emerson." "That depends," said Emerson darkly, "on how he likes them.

I knew the answer, and--of course--so did Ramses. He has superb breath control and always gets in ahead of me.

People who relate what they believe to be new and startling information like to have such information received with exclamations of astonishment and admiration.

Cats always pick the laps of the people who don't like them.

Is is difficult to be angry with a gentleman who pays you compliments, even impertinent compliments. Especially impertinent compliments.

I will tell you a little secret about archaeologists, dear Reader. They all pretend t be very high-minded. They claim that their sole aim in excavation is to uncover the mysteries of the past and add to the store of human knowledge. They lie. What they really want is a spectacular discovery, so they can get their names in the newspapers and inspire envy and hatred in the hearts of their rivals.

The opportunity to lecture had restored my good humor.