Though he was a well-informed, genial man, he
was almost rude in making himself heard, so determined was he that
people should listen to his jokes and stories, which were generally
something about himself. At a large tableful of guests, General
Peterson's voice was always heard above that of every one else. He
seemed to compel the rest of the company to listen. His big voice
drowned the others out. Though Mr. and Mrs. Morris liked him very
much, when they were alone they often ridiculed this disagreeable habit.
"'Bessie and General Peterson are just alike,' Mrs. Morris used to say
jokingly, when the parrot pushed herself into notice by her loud
jabbering. 'Neither of them can endure to have any one else receive
attention when they are present.'
"Although Bessie had not a pony to ride on as Johnny had, she took a
great many jaunts around the parlors on the cat's back. This cat was a
great pet in the house. A very striking-looking cat he was too. He
was jet black with a flat face and long white whiskers. Johnny always
said he resembled an old colored man who used to be their coachman, and
he wondered if they were any relation to each other.
"When Bessie was out of her cage the cat did not often visit the
parlor, because he was afraid of her.
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