"I'm going to see Redbud, Mr. Roundjacket," he said, "and I think she'll like my dress—good-bye."
Roundjacket only replied by flourishing his ruler.
Verty put on his cocked hat, admired himself for an instant in the mirror over the fire-place, and went out humming his eternal Indian song. Five minutes afterwards he was on his way to see Redbud, followed dubiously by Longears, who evidently had not made up his mind on the subject of his master's identity.
In order to explain the reception which Verty met with, it will be necessary to precede him.
CHAPTER XVIII.
HOW MISS LAVINIA DEVELOPED HER THEORIES UPON MATRIMONY.
The Apple Orchard carriage, containing the solemn Miss Lavinia, very soon arrived at the abode of old Scowley, as our friend Verty was accustomed to call the respectable preceptress of Miss Redbud; and Miss Lavinia descended and entered with solemn dignity.
Miss Sallianna and herself exchanged elaborate curtseys, and Miss Lavinia sailed into the pleasant sylvan parlor and took her seat reverely.
"Our dear little girls are amusing themselves this morning," said Miss Sallianna, inclining her head upon one shoulder, and raising her smiling eyes toward the ceiling; "the youthful mind, my dear madam, requires relaxation, and we do not force it."
Miss Lavinia uttered a dignified "hem," and passed her handkerchief solemnly over her lips.