“He’s quite the gentleman, and has most charming manners, that everyone acknowledges,” said Mrs. Ashbrook, to her serving maid, “and is so greatly interested in farming matters.”

“He knows a great deal more of farming and things of that sort than people suppose,” returned Kitty. “Don’t ’ee mek any mistake, missus—​he aint the greenhorn you imagine.”

“I never said he was a greenhorn, you foolish girl,” said Patty, a little petulantly.

“Well, mum, it aint no business of mine; but I think——”

She paused suddenly.

“Well, what do you think?”

“I shouldn’t like to say.”

“And why not?”

“Ye might be a bit offended. But I don’t think as how he’s the man you and master tek ’im to be—​’scuse my plain speaking.”

“Ah, you are prejudiced, and don’t understand people of his class. It is not at all likely you should be able to do so.”