He got through his business at four o’clock, and rested for an hour or more at his hotel. Then he arranged his toilet, and set out for the residence of Miss Rachel Norris.
It was rather a prim-looking, three-story house, such as might be supposed to belong to a maiden lady. He was ushered into a sitting-room on the second floor, where Miss Norris soon joined him.
“I am glad to see you, my young friend,” she said, cordially. “You are in time.”
“I always try to be, Miss Norris.”
“It is a good way to begin.”
Here a bell rang.
“Supper is ready,” she said. “Follow me downstairs.”
Carl followed the old lady to the rear room on the lower floor. A small table was set in the center of the apartment.
“Take a seat opposite me,” said Miss Norris.
There were two other chairs, one on each side—Carl wondered for whom they were set. No sooner were he and Miss Norris seated than two large cats approached the table, and jumped up, one into each chair. Carl looked to see them ordered away, but instead, Miss Norris nodded pleasantly, saying: “That’s right, Jane and Molly, you are punctual at meals.”