Then he arranged his toilet, and set out for
the residence of Miss Rachel Norris.
It was rather a prim-looking, three-story
house, such as might be supposed to belong
to a maiden lady. He was ushered into a sitting-
room on the second floor, where Miss Norris
soon joined him.
"I am glad to see you, my young friend,"
she said, cordially. "You are in time."
"I always try to be, Miss Norris."
"It is a good way to begin."
Here a bell rang.
"Supper is ready," she said. "Follow me downstairs."
Carl followed the old lady to the rear room
on the lower floor. A small table was set in
the center of the apartment.
"Take a seat opposite me," said Miss Norris.
There were two other chairs, one on each
side--Carl wondered for whom they were set.
No sooner were he and Miss Norris seated than
two large cats approached the table, and
jumped up, one into each chair. Carl looked
to see them ordered away, but instead, Miss
Norris nodded pleasantly, saying: "That's right,
Jane and Molly, you are punctual at meals."
The two cats eyed their mistress gravely,
and began to purr contentedly.
CHAPTER XXXI.
CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS.
"This is my family," said Miss Norris,
pointing to the cats.
"I like cats," said Carl.
"Do you?" returned Miss Norris, looking
pleased. "Most boys tease them. Do you see
poor Molly's ear? That wound came from a
stone thrown by a bad boy."
"Many boys are cruel," said Carl, "but I
remember that my mother was very fond of cats,
and I have always protected them from abuse.
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