“Yes, your ladyship; hope no offence—but we did take the liberty,” replied my father.
“And what is yours, boy?”
“Thomas, Lady Hercules,” replied I, with a bow and scrape, after my father’s receipt for politeness.
“And where is your mother?” said Sir Hercules.
“Mother’s at home, Lady Hercules,” replied I, with another scrape.
“How very interesting!” exclaimed one of the party. “Quite an event!” said another. “A delightful rencontre!” cried a third. “How kind of you, Lady Hercules, to give up your own maid! and such handsome children,” etcetera, etcetera. “It’s really quite charming.”
Lady Hercules was evidently much pleased, and she assumed the patroness.
“Well, little girl, since you have been named after me, out of gratitude I must see what can be done for you. Tell your mother to come up to me to-morrow at three o’clock, and bring you with her.”
“Yes, Lady Hercules,” replied Virginia, with a courtesy.
“And Saunders, you may as well come up at the same time, and bring your lad with you,” added Sir Hercules.