The creature came forward from the door, sprang instantly upon the foot of the bed and lay down, purring, its forepaws doubled under it, and its eyes shut.
"It is a heavy cat," said Elettra, thoughtfully.

"It is so fat.

One can hear it when it walks across the room." She scratched its head gently, and it purred more loudly under her hand.
"Excellency, you will allow me to sleep in the dressing-room, just for these days," she said presently.
"Oh yes--if you like," answered Veronica, laying her head down upon the pillow, sleepy again.
The maid bent over her and drew the things up about her neck in a half-tender, motherly way, looking at the girl's face.

Then she hesitated before putting out the light.
"Excellency," she said, "let us go to Muro.

The air of this house is not good for you.