She ordered the table to be set in her private parlor, and then went into her bedroom to make her toilet.
In twenty minutes, or less time, she came out, dressed in a simple gray silk gown, with fine lace at throat and wrists.
As she entered the room at one door some one came in at the other.
And the next instant Owlet had flown like a bird into her arms.
CHAPTER XXIX
ROMA AND HER ASPIRATIONS
“Oh, Lady! Lady! Lady! Oh, Lady! Lady! Lady!” cried Owlet, in a wild rapture of delight, as she clung about the neck and bosom of her benefactress.
“Owlet! Why, Owlet! Darling! Mr. Merritt—what does all this mean?” demanded Miss Fronde, in supreme astonishment, as she returned the child’s caresses, and raised her eyes to the lawyer’s amused face.
He had just entered after Owlet, and now stood looking on the scene.
“I did not want her to take you by surprise,” he said. “I wanted to come in first, and tell you that she had been found and brought back; but, heavens! she darted past me and into your arms as soon as the door was opened.”
“Oh, Lady! Lady! Lady! I saw you, and I couldn’t help it! I couldn’t! I couldn’t! I couldn’t! I know I’m not possessed of common sense now, but I don’t care! I don’t care! so I’m possessed of you!” exclaimed the child in an ecstasy of joy.