"I knew she'd bring you," said Lowboy, pointing to Hortense. "I could see she was friendly."
"She may only be a meddlesome child," said White Owl. "It never does to judge from first impressions."
"I could see that the cat didn't like her," said one of the firedogs, shaking himself and coming out upon the hearthrug, "and anybody that the cat dislikes is a friend of mine."
"Just so," said the other firedog.
They were just alike.
"I know I can never tell you apart," said Hortense. "What are your names?"
"Mine's Coal and his is Ember," said the first firedog, "and you can always tell us in this way: If you call me Ember and I don't answer, then you'll know I'm Coal. It's very easy! But if you'll look close, you'll see that my tail curls a little tighter than his, and I'm generally thought to be handsomer."
"You're not," said Ember. "Say that again and I'll fight you."
"Oh, please don't fight!" cried Hortense. "However can you chase the cat if you do?"
"That's the first sensible remark any one has made," said White Owl.