to feel that this was not the way Mr. Morris Townsend had talked the
other night, or that he was talking now to her fortunate aunt. But
suddenly his aspiring kinsman became more interesting. He seemed to
have become conscious that she was affected by his companion's
presence, and he thought it proper to explain it.

"My cousin asked me to bring him, or I shouldn't have taken the
liberty. He seemed to want very much to come; you know he's awfully
sociable. I told him I wanted to ask you first, but he said Mrs.
Penniman had invited him. He isn't particular what he says when he
wants to come somewhere! But Mrs. Penniman seems to think it's all
right."

"We are very glad to see him," said Catherine. And she wished to
talk more about him; but she hardly knew what to say. "I never saw
him before," she went on presently.

Arthur Townsend stared.

"Why, he told me he talked with you for over half an hour the other
night."

"I mean before the other night. That was the first time."

"Oh, he has been away from New York--he has been all round the world.
He doesn't know many people here, but he's very sociable, and he
wants to know every one."

"Every one?" said Catherine.