Mew-Mew was the first to speak.

"How are you now, Bow-Wow?" she said.

"How do I look?" said the dog.

"Ah! not very well. There is a look in your eyes I do not like."

"Oh, if it is only my eyes," said Bow-Wow, "I can change that.... Look at me now, Mew-Mew."

"That is not the same look at all," said the cat. "Your eyes are as bright as mine now, Bow-Wow."

"No, no—not so bright as yours. No other eyes could be as bright as yours, Mew-Mew.

But I do feel a good deal better now, and I think, dear Mew-Mew, that if I could get a long sleep and some nice food—"

"Should you like a mouse?" cried Mew-Mew.

"Ah! I fear a mouse would get away from me.

I do not know how to deal with a mouse as you do, Mew-Mew, even when I am well.

I should like some cold meat."

"Well, I will see what I can do," said Mew-Mew.

Away she went; but the only food that she could find was some cold pork.

She had two or three bites at this, to make sure it was good, and then went back to Bow-Wow with her prize.

"What is it, Mew-Mew?"

"Cold pork: very nice." And she put it before him.

"Please have some too, Mew-Mew."

"Well, I do not care if I do," said the cat.