I stopped short.

I could scarcely believe my eyes.

There, conversing with Pasquale and lolling on the sofa, as if she had known him for years, was Carlotta.
She must have seen righteous disapprobation on my face, for she came running up to me.
"You see, I've made Miss Carlotta's acquaintance," said Pasquale.
"So I perceive," said I.
"Stenson told me you wanted me to come to the drawing-room in my red slippers," said Carlotta.
"I am afraid Stenson must have misdelivered my message," said I.
"Then you do not want me at all, and I must go away ?" Oh, those eyes! I am growing so tired of them.

I hesitated, and was lost.
"Please let me stay and talk to Pasquale." "Mr.Pasquale," I corrected.
She echoed my words with a cooing laugh, and taking my consent for granted, curled herself up in a corner of the sofa.

I resumed my seat with a sigh.