Before they had done breakfast, however, Master Lenny was led in by his nurse.
He was resplendent in holiday attire and in the anticipation of some unknown glory that had been promised him, and for which he saw great preparations going forward, and which he called in his baby babble “doin’ Dubby.”
“Doin’ Dubby, untle dranpa! Lenny doin’ Dubby, hee hos wun,” he said, running up to his godfather.
“Lenny is going to the Derby to see the horses run, is he? But Lenny will be the winning horse, I’ll bet,” said the General, taking the little fellow up on his knee. “Gentlemen,” he added, turning to his young visitors, “let me introduce you to Master Leonard Lyon, the latest representative of old Leonard Lyon, who——”
“‘Came over with the Conqueror,’” suggested Mr. Tredegar.
“Who lived here long before the Conqueror was born,” concluded the General, quietly. “Leonard, my boy, bow to the gentlemen, and ask them how they do, and say that you hope they are well.”
“Hope.—Do Dubby,” said Lenny, who could not connect his sentences very well as yet, holding out his chubby hand to Mr. Spencer, who was nearest.
“Grandpa, we will leave Lenny to help you entertain your friends while we put on our bonnets and mantles,” said Anna, rising from the table, followed by Drusilla.
“And so Master Leonard is going to the Derby? He is beginning life early,—he is a very fast young gentleman,” said Mr. Tredegar, taking the child upon his knee.
“Lenny doin’ Dubby—hee hos wun,” was the stereotyped answer of the boy.