inclined to show his hand and make the most of it, but within the last
few days he had learned that perhaps a greater opportunity was opening
before him. Meantime in the full consciousness of power he had begun
to call on Edith, as we have seen, something as a cat plays around and
watches a caged bird, which it expects to have in its claws before
long.

The next morning at breakfast Edith mentioned Mr. Fox's recent calls.

"What is he coming here for?" growled Mr. Allen, looking with a frown
at his daughter.

"I'm sure I don't know."

"I hope you don't see him."

"Certainly not. I was out the first two times, and last night sent
word that I was engaged. But he insisted on his card being given to me
and put on airs generally, so Hannibal seems to think."

That dignitary gave a confirming and indignant grunt.

"He said he would call again, didn't he, Hannibal?"

"Yes'm," blurted Hannibal, "and he looked as if de next time he'd put
us all in his breeches pocket and carry us off."

"What's Fox up to now?" muttered Mr. Allen, knitting his brows. "I
must look into this."