And, as they left, he slipped the copy of Sonnets from the Portuguese into his pocket.
"Well, now that we've sort of lost Cousin Aurelia," said Betty, "I wish I could have one of these adorable animals on Sugar Plum for my very own. As a pet, you know. It might help as a substitute for Cousin Aurelia's company."
"And what's wrong with me for a substitute?" Charles wanted to know. "It seems to me that you can forget Cousin Aurelia for a change and give me a little consideration."
She looked at him appraisingly and then at her watch.
"I never thought of that," she said. "It's time for bed."
Later, she sat up, studied him hard for a moment, and shook her head wistfully.
"Oh, Charles, you'd be perfect," she said, "if you only had lavender ears."
"That shouldn't be much trouble," he answered gravely. "I'll signal a passing spaceship, get to New Texas and have my ears tattooed. Good enough?"
She nuzzled against his neck.