“Of course, dead leaves⁠—so strange. I remember when I was a girl, before we came to London, we had a foxhound puppy⁠—to ‘walk’ it was called then; it had a tan top to its head and a white chest, and beautiful dark brown eyes, and it was a lady.”

“Yes, auntie,” said Francie, “but I don’t see the connection.”

“Oh!” replied Aunt Juley, rather flustered, “it was so alluring, and her eyes and hair, you know.⁠ ⁠…” She was silent, as if surprised in some indelicacy. “ Feuille morte ,” she added suddenly; “Hester⁠—do remember that!”.⁠ ⁠…

Considerable debate took place between the two sisters whether Timothy should or should not be summoned to see Annette.

“Oh, don’t bother!” said Soames.