`` My next neighbor has a dog who never behaves in this way , '' she said , as she put her teapot on the coals . `` He 's a remarkable beast ; and you 'd better stop to see him as you pass , ma'am . He 's always up to some funny prank or other . '' I said I would ; and , as I went by the next house , I took a look in at the window . The closet was empty , I observed ; but the dog sat smoking a pipe , looking as grave as a judge . `` Where is your mistress ? '' asked I. `` Gone for some tripe , '' answered the dog , politely taking the pipe out of his mouth , and adding , `` I hope the smoke does n't annoy you . '' `` I do n't approve of smoking , '' said I. `` Sorry to hear it , '' said the dog , coolly . I was going to lecture him on this bad habit ; but I saw his mistress coming with a dish in her hand , and , fearing she might think me rude to peep in at her windows , I walked on , wondering what we were coming to when even four-legged puppies smoked . At the door of the next little house , I saw a market-wagon loaded with vegetables , and a smart young pig just driving it away . I had heard of this interesting family , and took a look as I passed by . A second tidy pig sat blowing the fire ; and a third was eating roast-beef , as if he had just come in from his work . The fourth , I was grieved to see , looked very sulky ; for it was evident he had been naughty , and so lost his dinner . The little pig was at the door , crying to get in ; and it was sweet to see how kindly the others let him in , wiped his tears , tied on his bib , and brought him his bread and milk . I was very glad to see these young orphans doing so well , and I knew my friends at home would enjoy hearing from them . A loud scream made me jump ; and the sudden splash of water made me run along , without stopping to pick up a boy and girl who came tumbling down the hill , with an empty pail , bumping their heads as they rolled . Smelling something nice , and feeling hungry , I stepped into a large room near by , -- a sort of eating-house , I fancy ; for various parties seemed to be enjoying themselves in their different ways . A small boy sat near the door , eating a large pie ; and he gave me a fine plum which he had just pulled out . At one table was a fat gentleman cutting another pie , which had a dark crust , through which appeared the heads of a flock of birds , all singing gayly . `` There 's no end to the improvements in cooking , and no accounting for tastes , '' I added , looking at a handsomely-dressed lady , who sat near , eating bread and honey .
As I XXXXX this party , I saw behind the lady 's chair a maid , with a clothes-pin in her hand , and no nose .
annoy appeared approve driving eating gave knew passed see stepped