Mr.
Boffin came in, purring loudly, and rubbed familiarly against the
Colonel, leaving a thin coating of yellow hair.
"It seems to be the moulting season for cats," laughed the Colonel,
observing the damage ruefully.
Isabel moved restlessly in her chair, but said nothing. The pause had
become awkward when the Colonel rose to take his leave.
"I hope you may be happy," he said, gravely, "and make our old house
happier for your coming."
"Oh," returned Isabel, quickly, "I hadn't thought of that. I hadn't
thought of--of living there."
"The house is large," he ventured, puzzled.
"Mamma has always said," remarked Isabel, primly, "that no house was
large enough for two families."
Colonel Kent managed to force a laugh. "You may be right," he answered.
"At least, everything shall be arranged to your liking."
He had said good-bye and was on his way out, when Francesca came down
from Rose's room. Seeing her, he waited for a moment. Isabel had gone
into the library and closed the door.
"Whence this haste?" queried Madame, with a lightness which was just
then difficult to assume.
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