“So is a president!” put in Ceddie.
“An earl,” Mr. Havisham went on, “is frequently of very ancient lineage——”
“What’s that?” asked Ceddie.
“Of very old family—extremely old.”
“Ah!” said Cedric, thrusting his hands deeper into his pockets. “I suppose that is the way with the apple-woman near the park. I dare say she is of ancient lin-lenage. She is so old it would surprise you how she can stand up.”
Mr. Havisham felt rather at a loss as he looked at his companion’s innocent, serious little face.
“I am afraid you did not quite understand me,” he explained. “When I said ’ancient lineage’ I did not mean old age; I meant that the name of such a family has been known in the world a long time; perhaps for hundreds of years persons bearing that name have been known and spoken of in the history of their country.”
“Like [George Washington,”] said Ceddie. “I’ve heard of him ever since I was born, and he was known about long before that. Mr. Hobbs says he will never be forgotten. That’s because of the Declaration of Independence, you know, and the Fourth of July. You see, he was a very brave man.”
“The first Earl of Dorincourt,” said Mr. Havisham solemnly, “was created an earl four hundred years ago.”
“Well, well!” said Ceddie. “That was a long time ago! Did you tell Dearest that? It would [int’rust] her very much. She always likes to hear [cur’us] things. What else does an earl do besides being created?”