Imogene said she guessed they were.

Then Georgie asked why, and, after then, what made them that way, adding the information that he had a kitty that went dead one time and wasn't any good any more.
The coming of the "commodore" brought a new touch of life to the High Cliff House, which had settled down for its winter nap.

Thankful, of course, read Emily's letter at the first opportunity.

Emily wrote that she felt sure Georgie would be company for her cousin and that she had conceived the idea of the boy's visit before leaving East Wellmouth, but had said nothing because she was not sure mother would consent.

But that consent had been granted and Georgie might stay until Christmas, perhaps even after that if he was not too great a care.
He was something of a care, there was no doubt of that.