KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_from the top of the console-table_)

Will you be quiet!

TOBY-DOG

Wooooooooo!!--oo--oooo--oo!

KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_aside_)

That's it! That's it!

(SHE _wakes bewildered, still captive of her dreams, while the Cat
listens patiently to the approaching step on the stairs, which means
liberty for him and punishment for_ TOBY-DOG.)



THE FIRST FIRE


_Because it is raining and an October wind chases wet leaves through the
air, She has lit the first fire of the season in the great
chimney-place_. KIKI-THE-DEMURE _and_ TOBY-DOG, _in ecstasy, side by
side on a corner of the warm hearth-stone, contemplate the flame with
dazzled eyes and address their meditations to it_.

KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_looking very like a cushion; no paws visible_)

Oh Fire, how splendid you are! You have come back more beautiful than my