Part 5 (2/2)

TOBY-DOG

We dogs.

KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_seated and very dignified_)

Would you have me _bark_, too?... We have never followed the same rules of conduct, that I know of.

TOBY-DOG, (_vexed_)

Oh very well, I don't insist. How do you like this carriage?

KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_sniffing fastidiously_)

It's frightful.--However, the cus.h.i.+ons are rather good for one's nails.

(_He suits the action to the word_.)

TOBY-DOG, (_aside_)

Now if _I_ did that ...

KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_continuing to scratch the upholstery_)

Hon! May this spongy, gray cloth soothe my rage!... Since morning, the whole universe has been in a state of monstrous revolt. He whom I love, and who venerates me, made not the least effort to defend me. I've submitted to humiliating contacts, been jolted to death, piercing whistles have shot through my head from ear to ear. Ho, ho, how good it is to relax the nerves and to imagine that, with gleeful claws, one tears the enemies' flesh in b.l.o.o.d.y shreds! Ho, ho! S-c-r-a-t-c-h, and lift the paws on high! Lift them high as possible! It's a supremely insolent gesture....

SHE

I say, Kiki, when are you going to stop that?

HE, (_Indulgent and admiring_)

Let him alone. He's doing his nails.

KIKI-THE-DEMURE

He has spoken for me. I forgive him. But since it's allowed, I don't care any more about tearing the cus.h.i.+ons ... When will I get out of this? Not that I'm afraid; they are both there, and the dog too, with their everyday faces ... I've twinges in my stomach.

(_He yawns. The train stops. A conductor on the platform cries, ”Aw-ll a-bor! Aw-ll a-b-o-r-r!!”_)

TOBY-DOG, (_excited_)

Screaming again! Another accident?!--Let's run!...

KIKI-THE-DEMURE

Heavens, what a tiresome dog! What does it matter to him, if there _is_ an accident?

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