If she could but have a few
hours of chat with each! And, after all, no doubt, this could be
arranged. It was but a little time since Aunt Jane and Aunt Ruth had
asked when she was going to cheer them with another visit. Might not
their invitation give her just the opportunity she sought?
Claudia reflected. She had not in the past cared much for her aunts'
household. The elderly maiden ladies were "the dearest creatures," she
told herself; but they were not interesting. Aunt Jane was always
engaged in knitting with red wool, any fragments of attention which
could be given from that task being devoted to Molossus, the toy
terrier, who almost dwelt in her lap. Aunt Ruth was equally devoted in
the matter of embroidery, and in the watchful eye she kept upon the
movements of Scipio, a Persian cat of lofty lineage and austere mien.
Their other interests were few, and were mainly centred upon their
pensioners amongst the poor. Their friends were of their own generation.
Thus in the past Claudia had not felt any eager yearning for the house
in St. John's Wood, where the sisters dwelt at peace. But it was
otherwise now, because Claudia had new designs upon London.
She confided to her mother her readiness to accept the recent
invitation.
"Go, my dear, by all means," said the invalid; "I am sure you must want
a change, especially after so many weeks of looking after me."
"Pinsett," said Claudia, salving her own conscience, "is so very careful
and efficient.
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