"Do," said the secretary; "that is, if you see any fun in hunting up a little freckle-faced child, who will probably be too shy to speak to you after you get there." "I don't see anything in this letter," said Humphreys, scanning it again, "to make me inevitably deduce freckles, nor yet shyness. In fact, the more I look at it, the more I think that baby's a genius; and anyway, I've nothing to do, and it's lovely country down there, and I'm going to chance it." "All right," said Knox. "You'd better write her that you're coming." "I will. Give us a pen." And that's how it happened that in due time Ladybird received a letter which set her eyes and heart dancing. It caused no comment when old Matthew handed her the precious document, for the child often had letters--often, too, from distant cities, where she exchanged souvenir-cards with other young collectors. Stopping only to catch up Cloppy, she ran to the orchard and tore open the envelope. Over and over again she read these lines: Miss Ladybird Lovell, Dear Madam: Without committing myself definitely to an offer to aid you in your project, I may say I would be glad to have an interview with you regarding the matter, and will be pleased to keep any appointment that you may make. Yours obediently, Chester Humphreys. "Oh," said Ladybird, with a sigh of rapturous delight, "isn't it grand! I can't understand hardly a word of his letter, but he says he'll come to see me about it, and that's all I want to know. Now I suppose I'll have to write him again. It's awful hard work, but to think what it may mean to Stella!" With a little sigh, she went to fetch paper and pencil, and, returning, composed the third document in the case. Mr. Chester Humphreys [she began], Dear Earl: I am glad you're coming [the letter went on] Hurry, oh, hurry, the day draws near. I hope you are the right one, but I can tell the minute I look at you. I will be in the plum-orchard, at half-past three Thursday afternoon. Come, oh, come. Ladybird Lovell, Primrose Hall. "He may not be an earl," she thought, "but then he may; and if he is, it will be dreadful if I don't tell him so." CHAPTER XV THE ARRIVAL OF THE EARL At half-past three Thursday afternoon Ladybird was in the plum-orchard. It had never occurred to her to doubt the arrival of Chester Humphreys, or that he could experience any difficulty in finding her at her somewhat indefinite address. And being a fairly clever and up-to-date young man, Chester Humphreys did not experience any difficulties, or, if he did, he overcame them; for promptly at the appointed hour he stood before Ladybird, and bowed politely, saying, "Miss Ladybird Lovell?"