Page 20 (1/2)

"I will? That sounds rather jolly Spotted Custard, eh? New kind of pudding, is it? Delish Can I finish with the quinces first?"

"No, the quinces ait"

"I understand that’s one of the advantages"

"What?"

Percy explained, animated "Quinces store very well, better than crab-apples In cellars, and cupboards, and wardrobes, and hatboxes, and what have you"

"Oh, do they? Very interesting, Percy dear Perhaps I’ll have Cook order soe study subjects for the ti India, I’m afraid, rumbled

"I’ the quince books along You ht have time to read as we float"

Percy didn’t answer He was at one of his shelves, coh scrolls, rolled-upfor the valet

A harried young personage appeared Rue gave him a funny look Had Percy elevated the boot-black boy in lieu of any other household staff?

"Pack your master’s portmanteau for a float to India, a et his daily necessities You kno he gets when he’s researching And try to keep hi around a carriage tomorrow around teatioes with it to see to his quarters You’ll also be joining us since soreeable I will, of course subsidise your re after next, currents per man was not at all discombobulated In fact, he looked thrilled Well, life with Percy was probably extremely dull "And Footnote,his name, said cat stood up fro a chirrup of inquiry

"Whatever possessed Percy to acquire a cat? He can’t even take care of himself"

The boy suppressed a chuckle "The cat acquired us, I’m afraid, miss"

"The best ones always do" Rue chucked Footnote under the chin He e hi Every ship should have a cat Perhaps he can help with the pigeon probleood,his chin for further scratching He was an attractive anih smartly dressed for the theatre Better dressed than Percy ever was, that’s certain Rue left off cat-worshipping reluctantly

The valet made his farewell bow

"Oh," Rue added before he shut the door, "bring Percy up so through scrolls,up