She must have been dreaming of something that pleased her, for the expression of her lips and of her eyes-one being half open and the other closely shut-gave her a look of contentment.

In her lap slept a large grey cat, and by its side--as though discord never could enter this bright little abode which exhaled no savor of poverty, but, on the contrary, a peculiar and fragrant scent--lay a small shaggy dog, whose snowy whiteness of coat could only be due to the most constant care.

Two other dogs, like this one, lay stretched on the floor at the old lady's feet, and seemed no less soundly asleep.
As the prefect came up, the architect pointed to this study of still-life, and said in a whisper: "If we had a painter here it would make a lovely little picture." "Incomparable," answered Titianus, "only the vivid scarlet on the dame's cheeks seems to me suspicious, considering the ample proportions of the wine-jar at her elbow." "But did you ever see a calmer, kindlier, or more contented countenance ?" "Baucis must have slept like that when Philemon allowed himself leave of absence for once! or did that devoted spouse always remain at home ?" "Apparently he did.

Now, peace is at an end." The approach of the two friends had waked one of the little dogs.

He gave tongue, and his companion immediately jumped up and barked as if for a wager.