Of course this was not in Cyrus: Cyrus people knew. "Well, Kitty!" Madam Flynt held out a large, plump white hand, amply be-ringed. She was dressed in flowing robes of green and white, a most un-negligent "_negligée_," and was a pleasant sight enough. "Well, Kitty! You have to come to me, you see. I couldn't go down with the rest of the town to meet you. I am glad to see you, my dear. We have been too long without you, Kitty." "Dear Madam Flynt, I am so glad to get home! How is the rheumatism?" "The rheumatism is very well, Kitty, it thanks you: it's more vigorous than I am; but I do very well, on the whole, very well. I get my airing, which is the principal thing. John Tucker told you of our little arrangement? A very good plan! John Tucker is a sensible man. He and Sarepta are really an able pair. Pity he didn't marry her, instead of that poor creature, Mary Spinney. You had a good voyage, my dear?" She talked easily, Kitty following her lead. "Glad to hear it! And now, Kitty, I hope you are going to be a sensible girl, and do as I wish." "As you wish, Madam Flynt? About the driving? Oh, surely! I am only too grateful. It is so dear of you--" "Nothing of the kind! A business arrangement, nothing more. Flanagan was dead--I didn't kill him, did I? What I wish, Kitty, is quite another thing. I want you to come and live with me." "Oh, Madam Flynt!" "There is everything to be said in favor of the plan," Madam Flynt swept on, "and nothing against it, so far as I can see. You can manage your home affairs, John and Sarepta, the house and so on, as well here as there; you've only to step across the yard. I need a companion, and so do you." Kitty opened wide eyes of astonishment. "Madam Flynt! Has Miss Croly left you?" "Miss Croly left me? Certainly not. Why should she leave me? Cornelia Croly is as old as I am, or very near it; she needs a companion, too. She grows more set every day of her life. Just move that poker, will you, Kitty? To the left side of the fireplace! Cornelia Croly _will_ always put it at the right; she does it to assert herself; she told me so, in so many words. We both need a young person to keep us from biting each other, Kitty, and you are the person." At this point, Miss Croly entered the room, beaming welcome. Tall, thin, upright, hard-favored, with the kindest eyes and the most obstinate chin imaginable. Dressed in gray alpaca by day, in purple alpaca by night, with little benefit of fashion; such was Miss Cornelia Croly, Madam Flynt's quondam schoolmate--her companion now these many years of her widowhood. The two made a singular contrast, yet complemented each other oddly. Kitty could never think of one without the other. Corolla and calyx, Dr. Ross used to call them. Miss Croly had to hear all about Kitty's voyage; the sea had a fascination for her, though she had never ventured upon it.