I have an instance of a still stranger friendship to mention. The
servants of a country-house--and I am sure that they were kind people--
had enticed a frog from its hole by giving it food. As winter drew on,
Froggy every evening made its way to the kitchen hearth before a blazing
fire, which it found much more comfortable than its own dark abode out
in the yard. Another occupant of the hearth was a favourite old cat,
which at first, I daresay, looked down on the odd little creature with
some contempt, but was too well bred to disturb an invited guest. At
length, however, the two came to a mutual understanding; the kind heart
of Pussy warming towards poor chilly little Froggy, whom she now invited
to come and nestle under her cozy fur. From that time forward, as soon
as Froggy came out of its hole, it hopped fearlessly towards the old
cat, who constituted herself its protector, and would allow no one to
disturb it.
Imitate the kind cat, and be kind to the most humble, however odd their
looks. Sometimes at school and elsewhere you may find some friendless
little fellow. Prove his protector. Be not less benevolent than a cat.