"Good-night to you, cabby," said Jim, who concluded, as he walked up the steps, that the cabman was something of a philosopher.
He found the little servant endeavouring to raise one end of his portmanteau, which, being chock full of clothes, boots, books, and instruments, was no light weight.
"Don't trouble," said Jim; "I'll carry it upstairs."
"I really cannot allow you to do that," said Mrs Maybury. "Frank," she added, turning to the boy, "help Mary with Dr Mortimer's portmanteau."
"Shan't!" said the boy, pouting.
"Obey me at once, Frank!"
"Shan't!" repeated the boy, disappearing into the room from which his stepmother had emerged.
By way of settling the matter, Jim shouldered the portmanteau. "Kindly go first," he said to Mary, "and show me where my room is."
As he was about to ascend the staircase, an immense black cat came stalking along the hall and rubbed itself, purring loudly, against his leg.
"What a wonder!" cried Mary. "Tom generally don't like strangers."