The Lonely House by Marie Belloc Lowndes

But next day all was radiant happiness and good humour-indeed, the whole atmosphere of the Lonely House seemed transformed. Even Mimi looked as if it knew of Beppo's arrival, for the cat walked about purring, and for once left the birds alone.

The night before, during dinner, Beppo had overcome his mother's dislike to leaving La Solitude.