'I am very pleased to see you and Nap; but you must not stop any longer in this cold porch; the wind is rather cutting.

There is a nice fire in my parlour.' And I led the way in.
I was rather puzzled about Nap, for I seemed to recognise his sleek head and mild brown eyes; and yet where could I have seen him?
He trotted in contentedly after his mistress, and stretched himself out on the rug Tinker's fashion; but Lady Betty, instead of seating herself, began to walk round the room and inspect my books and china, making remarks upon everything in a brisk voice, and questioning me in rather an inquisitive manner about sundry things that attracted her notice; but, to my great surprise and relief, she passed Charlie's picture without remark or comment--only I saw her glancing at it now and then from under her long lashes.

This mystified me a little; but I thought her whole behaviour a little peculiar.

I had never before seen callers on their first visit perambulating the room like polar bears, or throwing out curious feelers everywhere.

As a rule, they sat up stiffly enough and discussed the weather.
Lady Betty was evidently a character; most likely she prided herself on being unlike other people.