n twice their age."

"You don't mean me, I hope, Aunt Rachel," said Mr. Norris, smiling.

"Indeed, I don't. I shall not flatter you by speaking of you as only
twice this boy's age."

"I see, Aunt Rachel, there is no getting the better of you."

Meanwhile Carl was making business calls. He obtained a map of the city,
and located the different firms on which he proposed to call. He had
been furnished with a list by Mr. Jennings. He was everywhere pleasantly
received--in some places with an expression of surprise at his
youth--but when he began to talk he proved to be so well informed upon
the subject of his call that any prejudice excited by his age quickly
vanished. He had the satisfaction of securing several unexpectedly
large orders for the chair, and transmitting them to Mr. Jennings by the
afternoon mail.

He got through his business at four o'clock, and rested for an hour
or more at his hotel. 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.