“Yes, my uncle the Admiral said so; he read it from a great big paper—he read out my whole name. John Christopher Winkel Blossom, he read; and that is as true—as true”—
“For the land’s sake!” said Lisa, laying John’s trousers, which she was patching, down in her lap.
“Well, if that isn’t the greatest I ever heard in all my days,” said Olea. “However, I don’t believe it. It is just some of your tomfoolery, John, you rascal.”
“Here comes Mother and you shall hear for yourself,” shouted John. “Didn’t I stand on the table, Mother? And shan’t I have Kingthorpe, Mother?” Mother assented soberly.
“Yes, my boy.”
John looked triumphantly at Lisa and Olea.
“Now you see what silly nincompoops you are—never believing a single thing I tell you.”
“John dear,” said Mother, “you are not to use such expressions.”
Well, Lisa and Olea were really very contrary both of them. What would they say if they knew how every one had been calling him the heir of Kingthorpe? On the whole it was rather pleasant to be called that, although somewhat embarrassing. He would not speak of it to Olea and Lisa after all—not yet, anyway. They were both staring at him in open-mouthed wonder.