“I am not an earl,” said her visitor; “but if I were, I would wear on this occasion these very same clothes. And now, tell me all about it.”
With a smile that seemed to compel a comfortable confidence, he motioned Ladybird back to her grassy seat under the plum-tree, and then sat down by her side.
“First of all, who are you?” he said.
“No; first of all, who are you?” said Ladybird.
“Quite right,” said the young man; “I accept the rebuke. My name you already know; my home is New York. Just now I’m on my vacation, and in vagrant mood I’m enjoying this part of our country.”
“Are you a good man?” said Ladybird.
“I am a good man,” said Humphreys, “though very few people know it; still, I’m prepared to prove it whenever it may be necessary.”
“Are you accomplished?” said Ladybird.
“I can play a few things, work at a few more, and I can sing.”
“I’m glad you can sing,” said Ladybird; “Stella is very fond of music.”