“Is he?” asked Herbert, not appearing as much awestruck as Oscar expected.

“We've got a plantation in Virginia. We live there part of the year. My father's there now. I hope we shall go there soon.”

“Do you like it better than here?”

“Yes, a good deal.”

“This is a handsome place.”

“Yes, this is mother's estate. The other belongs to father.”

“Have you any brothers and sisters, Oscar?”

“I've got one sister. She's about twelve. But, I say, I thought you were a gentleman's son when I first saw you.”

“So I am,” said Herbert, emphatically.

“Was your father rich?”