"All the morning I had Wilhelmina to myself, and at dinner I sat beside her, with the professor opposite. The latter was cheerful enough, but he nearly ruined my appetite, for he smelled strongly of catnip. After dinner he became restless and fidgeted about in his chair until coffee was brought, and we went up to the parlor of our apartment. Here his restlessness increased to such an extent that I ventured to ask him if he was in good health.
"'It's that basket—the covered basket which I have in the next room,' he said.
"'What's the trouble with the basket?' I asked.
"'The basket's all right—but the contents worry me.'
"'May I inquire what the contents are?' I ventured.
"The professor rose.
"'Yes,' he said, 'you may inquire of my daughter.' He left the room, but reappeared shortly, carrying a saucer of milk.
"I watched him enter the next room, which was mine.
"'What on earth is he taking that into my room for?' I asked Wilhelmina. 'I don't keep cats.'
"'But you will,' she said.