"Oh, that is enough, with what I've got. You will have to stay in the parlor till I get back, so as to let me in," and seizing his cap, he was off.
Elizabeth rejoined her visitors in the drawing-room and tried to make a conversation. Somehow, to talk to the Brady girls had never before been so difficult. In the alley there was always so much to say. Now they sat stiffly and straight upon their chairs, and their faces looked preternaturally solemn. There was silence in the room for a few minutes, and Julius came and rubbed himself against Elizabeth's feet. This suggested a topic.
"Do you like cats?" she asked.
"Yes," said Bella.
"Nope," said Eva Louise, simultaneously.
There was another pause.
"It is a very nice day to-day."
"Yes," they both replied.
Elizabeth thought deeply for several minutes. What could she say next?
"Are you at all halt?" she asked, presently.