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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 15, Issue 2 (May 1, 1940.)

Curiosity. — The Cat Lives to a Ripe Old Age

Curiosity.
The Cat Lives to a Ripe Old Age.

“Oh, I wouldn't mention it in front of old Mrs. Sharples,” said Mabel. “She's so curious, I don't feel like gratifying her.”

“But what harm would it do?” I asked.

“None, I suppose. But you know how it is with these people who like to know everything that's going on. One likes to keep something from them.”

“But she's not ill-natured, Mabel. It's just that she hasn't anybody of her own to take an interest in.”

“Oh, I know. But I was always taught that curiosity killed the cat. It's more ladylike to keep oneself to oneself.”

It's just as well that Mrs. Sharples is not “ladylike,” as Mabel calls it, or she would have a very lonely old age. She loves people, and is still vividly alive to their joys and sorrows. Her friends are her “family” and that is why men and women, boys and girls crowd about her. They know that Mrs. Sharples is always eager to hear of their joys and to share their laughter, and equally ready to help in times of difficulty.

From the cradle to the grave, curiosity, the desire to know, is the prime impulse to development. To be curious, and to use the knowledge gained in helping her friends is Mrs. Sharples' life. She is a fully developed personality. If she were confined to a prim gentility, “keeping herself to herself,” her life would be arid, empty. As it is, she is a happy person, rich in human relationships. As she herself says, her cup is full to overflowing.