"Yes, and a whole litter of kittens into the bargain. We'll have a jolly time together."
"I hope so."
"Of course," said John seriously, "when I get married that'll terminate the contract."
"Do you think of getting married soon?" asked Oliver, surprised and amused.
"I'll tell you about it," said John, with the utmost gravity. "Last month I had my fortune told."
"Well?"
"It was told by Mme. Catalina, the seventhdaughter of a seventh daughter; so, of course, she wasn't a humbug."
"Does that make any difference—being the seventh daughter?"
"Of course it does. Well, she told me that I should marry a rich widow, and ever after live in luxury," said John, evidently elated by his prospects.
"Did you believe her?"