At this Mrs. Faringfield said hastily, with a touch of alarm:
"But, my dear, is it quite safe? The child might—might have the measles or something, you know."
Madge tittered openly, and Philip Winwood looked puzzled. Mr. Faringfield answered:
"One can see he is a healthy lad, and cleanly, though he is tired and dusty from his journey. He may occupy the end garret room. 'Tis an odd travelling companion you carry, my boy. Did you bring the cat from Philadelphia?"
"Yes, sir; my mother was fond of it, and I didn't like to leave it behind."
The kitten drew back from the stately gentleman's attempt to tap its nose with his finger, and evinced a desire to make the acquaintance of his wife, toward whom it put forth its head as far as possible out of its basket, beginning the while to purr.
"Look, mamma, it wants to come to you," cried little Tom, delighted.
"Cats and dogs always make friends quicker with handsome people," said Philip Winwood, with no other intent than merely to utter a fact, of which those who observe the lower animals are well aware.
"There, my dear," said Mr. Faringfield, "there's a compliment for you at my expense."
The lady, who had laughed to conceal her pleasure at so innocent a tribute, now freely caressed the kitten; of which she had been shy before, as if it also might have the measles.