emptied the cream jug for Miss Velvet Purr, and helped themselves to muffins, and were very merry indeed.

Captain Black was so attentive that he would hand round the bread and butter. He took the plate from under the very nose of Sir Claude Scratch, which made that person so angry, that nothing but a smile from Miss Tabitha would please him.

Miss Velvet-Purr sings a song, which is much admired.

After tea Miss Purr was asked to sing, and when she had taken another sip of milk she said she would give them an old song with variations. It was called Moll Rowdy, and the accompaniment was by Spitz, and everybody said that there never was anything more striking. Then Miss Tabitha, who had a very fine ear, gave them a little French song which had a chorus of Tant Mieux, and they all joined in, Captain Black and Mr. Velvet Purr singing the bass. Then the Captain told a story of his travels to the Isle of Dogs, and Sir Claude related an adventure at St. Kitts, which set them all laughing.

But the great fun of the evening was when the four Masters Tortoise Shell, whose names were Bobstay, Rattle, Clipper, and Dick, came into the room with great white collars and black faces, and began to sing like the Ethiopian Serenaders. Bobstay played the Fiddle, Rattle the Bones, Clipper the Banjo, and Dick the Tambourine, when they sang “Old Dan Tucker,” and “Kafoozlum.” The four Misses White almost fell off their seats with laughing, and Sir Claude was seen to put the tail of his coat into his mouth; Captain Black didn't like it much, for he had a dark complexion and thought they were laughing at him.

But the great fun of the evening was when the four Masters Tortoise Shell appeared as Ethiopian Serenaders.

At last it was time for them to be going, and Mr. Velvet Purr who was very careful not to be out too late, brushed his coat in the hall, and said good night. Captain Black smoothed his fur jacket; Sir Claude Scratch stroked his whiskers, and the ladies began to arrange their dress for walking. Then there was such a fuss as they all said “Good-bye,” that some of the neighbours looked out of window to see what was the matter; especially as Captain Black and Sir Claude quarrelled and fought in the street. At last, however, all the party got safely home.

Departure of the Guests. Captain Black and Sir Claude Scratch quarrel in the street.

THIS LITTLE PIG WENT TO MARKET.

THIS

LITTLE

PIG

WENT

TO

MARKET