, was a table, on which
stood a large wicker cage containing several nests of young goldfinches,
and with green food twined among the osiers. There were, too, a large
wine-jar and an ivory goblet decorated with fine carving. Close to the
drinking-vessels, on the stone top of the table, rested the arm of an
elderly woman who had fallen asleep in the arm-chair in which she sat.
Notwithstanding the faint grey moustache that marked her upper-lip
and the pronounced ruddiness of her fore head and cheeks, she looked
pleasant and kind. 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. The old
woman's pet sprang out of her lap, but neither his mistress nor the cat
let themselves be disturbed by the noise, and slept on.

"A watcher among a thousand!" said the architect, laughing.

"And this phalanx of dogs which guard the palace of a Caesar," added
Titianus, "might be vanquished with a blow. Take heed, the worthy matron
is about to wake."

The dame had in fact been disturbed by the barking. She sat up a little,
lifted her hands, and then, half singing, half muttering a few words,
she sank back again in her chair.

"This is delicious!" cri