POINCARE'S CAT

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 16, 19 January 1924, Page 16

POINCARE'S CAT

A DEAP.LY-LOVED PST.

All great men have-their distractions. Some play golf, while other' loathe it; a few collect the postage stamps at which superior persons scoff; and many find thoir soul's delight in early editions of rare books. M. Poincaro is neither .golfer, philatelist, nor bibliophilist; for, like all French statesmen, games, make no appeal to him, and he has little time for reading anything lighter than an English' dictionary. Ilecognising, however, a ■ begum of some description is necessary, the Prime Minister of France lias, set his .affections on a cat-/-a handsome_ Siamese mouscr (writes Henriette do .Ncrval in the London "Evening News"). M. Poincarc's frirry, feminine treasure is cream-coloured, with blacktipped ears, paws, and tail. Pussy's ■whiskers match her seven tips; theseductive creature's cyc3 are a heavchly bluo; and so melodiously does she miaow that the upholder of the trembling Entente declares himself inspired by her when he is preparing his forceful speeches. For Minouss 6 has the entree to M. Poincare's study, which she uses as a boudoir. The Premier's writing ■table, revolving bookcase (which contains ponderous, works of reference), and roomy, well-padded armchair, all have been placed at the disposal of this peerless she-cat. M. Poincare reigns at the Chambre dcs Deputes, but the exotic grimalkin dominates the home. . . No Siamese cat in all Paris compares with the Premier's dearly-loved and pre-eminently lovable puss. Eecently there was consternation in the' Poincare menage; Minoiisse could not be found at the important moment when tha "little breakfast" should have been devoured. Tho cream formed on the milk in Beauty's saucer; the daintily minced lites (a livery dish to which Paris cats are partial) grew cold. The whitewhiskered butler 'trembled, for he dared not break the news to the Premier-when bringing him the early morning coffee and croissant. The elderly retainer was not, however, spared the ordeal, for M.. Poincare, having a premonition of evil, ask&d why JMinoutse had not bidden hint the customary affectionate "Bon jour!" The anguished minion could only weep in reply. Indeed, tears were general; as tearful as Niob'e-- \vas everyone in the usually happy home. From tho master of the house to the French equivalent lorthe tweeny-maid gloomy was everybody's mien. "A day of mourning." said the neighbour;;, "the cut of M. Poincare is lost." •MinousßC turned up in tho evening, in company with a-lean aucj.moucrel Eentlenian friend.