(_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 bloody 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