“Yes,” said Cedric, rather hesitatingly, “and—and earls; don’t you know?”
“Why, yes,” returned Mr. Hobbs; “that’s so!”
“You said,” proceeded Cedric, “that you wouldn’t have them sitting ’round on your biscuit barrels.”
“So I did!” returned Mr. Hobbs, stoutly.
“Mr. Hobbs,” said Cedric, “one is sitting on this box now!”
Mr. Hobbs almost jumped out of his chair.
“What!” he exclaimed.
“Yes,” Cedric announced, with due modesty; “I am one—or I am going to be. I shan’t deceive you.”
Mr. Hobbs looked agitated. He rose up suddenly and went to look at the thermometer.
“The [mercury’s] got into your head!” he exclaimed, turning back to examine his young friend’s countenance. “It is a hot day! How do you feel?”