from the Trumbull cellar, stood close to a clump
of stately pines full of windy songs, and trem-
bled.

"It do sound like cats, ma'am," said another voice,
which was Jane's, the maid, who had brought Mrs.
Meeks, the housekeeper, a cup of hot water and
peppermint, because her dinner had disagreed with
her.

"Just listen," said Mrs. Meeks.

"Yes, ma'am, I should think there was hundreds
of cats and little kittens."

"I am so afraid Mr. Van Ness will be disturbed."

"Yes, ma'am."

"You might go out and look, Jane."

"Oh, ma'am, they might be burglars!"

"How can they be burglars when they are cats?"
demanded Mrs. Meeks, testily.

Arnold Carruth snickered, and Johnny on one side,
and Lily on the other, prodded him with an elbow.
They were close under the window.