“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.”

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.  I should like to make a little visit home,” he added, thoughtfully, “and perhaps I may do so after I return from Chicago.  I shall have no favors to ask, and shall feel independent.”