Elizabeth heartily wished anybody could teach her that particular lesson. She sipped her lemonade, slowly and abstractedly, busy yet with the study which Mr. Herder had broken off; while he talked benignly and kindly, to ears that did not hear. But the last of Elizabeth's glass was swallowed hastily and the glass set down.
"Mr. Herder, I have come to ask you to do something for me."
"I am honoured, Miss Elisabet'," said the philosopher bowing.
"Will you not speak of it to anybody?"
"Not speak of it!" said the naturalist. "Then it is a secret?"
The quick energetic little bend of Elizabeth's head said before her lips spoke the word, "Yes!"
"It is more honour yet," he said. "What am I to do, Miss
Elisabet'?"
"Nothing, if it will be any real trouble to you, Mr. Herder.
Promise me that first."
"Promise? — what shall I promise?" said Mr. Herder.
"Promise me that if what I am going to ask would be any real trouble to you or to your business, you will tell me so."