noise of the _boyoes_.--You don't know what I mean by boyoes," she
added, smiling. "I picked up the word in Ireland. I'm always picking up
words. It means _boys_."

"I understand; oh, yes."

"Well, 'twas a little trouble to me, your not coming when I expected
you; but you may come this afternoon. I'll be ready in ten minutes."

"Yes, madam, thank you."

Edith ran to her mother laughing. "Oh, mamma, she is the queerest woman!
Calls boys _boyoes_! I must go to see her kitten whether I want to or
not--in just ten minutes! I wish I could take Kyzie with me; would you
dare?"

"Certainly not. Katharine has not been invited. And don't make a long
call, Edith."

"No, mamma, I'll not even sit down. I'll just look at the zebra kitty
and come right away."

Mrs. Dunlee smiled. If there were many pets at Number Five it was not
likely that Edith would hasten away. "Remember, daughter, fifteen
minutes is long enough for a call on an entire stranger. You don't wish
to annoy Mrs. McQuilken; but if you should happen to forget, you'll hear
this little bell tinkle, and that will remind you to leave."

Number Five was a very interesting room, about as full as it could hold
of oddities from various countries, together with four cats, a canary,