“Well, you have been a time! I have almost gaped the top of my head off!” said Owlet reproachfully, as soon as she saw him.
“I’m sorry. But come, my dear. Mr. Merritt wants to see you, and take you right away to your Lady,” said Harcourt.
“Oh, where is she? Where is she?” exclaimed Owlet, jumping off the chair in great excitement.
“Not far off. She is back here in the city, and in that same house where you first met her. You will see her in time to take tea with her,” he replied as he led the delighted child into the presence of the lawyer.
“Hello, Miss Catherine! Is that you? You have had adventures since I saw you last. You will have to write your travels, I am thinking. Where did you come from last?” gayly demanded Mr. Merritt, holding out his hand to the child.
She rushed upon it, seized it, looked up into his face, and exclaimed:
“Oh! are you going to take me to Lady—right away—this very, very minute?”
“Just as soon as I can wash my face, change my coat and put on my hat,” said Amos Merritt, smiling at the impetuosity of the child.
“Well, then, please—oh, please! be very, very quick! And I know you will be, for you always was possessed of common sense!” exclaimed the child, with her formula of highest praise.
“Oh, thank you! I feel as if I were invested with the Order of the Garter,” said the lawyer as he left the office to retire into the little dressing-room where he kept his best coat, clean collars, combs and brushes, etc.