Peter had built himself a comfortable den beneath the table and was having a quiet game of Bears with Mittens, the cat, for his cubquiet, that is, except for an angry mew now and then from Mittens, who had not enjoyed an easy moment since the arrival of the three children that morning.

With a little "mew," the animal took the very position Joe wanted it toextended along his back, close to his head.

Bann'd be those musty mews, where we have spent Our youthful days in paled languishment!

30 The captive cat, with piteous mews, For pardon, life, and freedom sues: 'A sister of the science spare; One interest is our common care.'

A draggled, forsaken little street-cat sneaks in the door, with a pitiful mew.

Till then give leave to me in pleasant mew** To sport my Muse, and sing my Loves sweet praise, The contemplation of whose heavenly hew My spirit to an higher pitch will rayse.

A sound of street music entered the room through the open ventilators, for a band had begun to play in the stable mews at the back of the housethe March from Tannhäuser.