"
As he spoke he stroked Molly, who purred
an acknowledgment of his attention. This
completed the conquest of Miss Norris, who
inwardly decided that Carl was the finest boy
she had ever met. After she had served Carl
from the dishes on the table, she poured out
two saucers of milk and set one before each cat,
who, rising upon her hind legs, placed her
forepaws on the table, and gravely partook
of the refreshments provided. Jane and Molly
were afterwards regaled with cold meat, and
then, stretching themselves out on their chairs,
closed their eyes in placid content.
During the meal Miss Norris questioned Carl
closely as to his home experiences. Having
no reason for concealment Carl frankly related
his troubles with his stepmother, eliciting
expressions of sympathy and approval from his hostess.
"Your stepmother must be an ugly creature?" she said.
"I am afraid I am prejudiced against her,"
said Carl, "but that is my opinion."
"Your father must be very weak to be influenced
against his own son by such a woman."
Carl winced a little at this outspoken criticism,
for he was attached to his father in spite of his
unjust treatment.
"My father is an invalid," he said, apologetically,
"and I think he yielded for the sake of peace."
"All the same, he ought not to do it," said
Miss Norris. "Do you ever expect to live at
home again?"
"Not while my stepmother is there,"
answered Carl. "But I don't know that I should
care to do so under any circumstances, as I
am now receiving a business training.
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