Their conversation was interrupted just then by Enthusiasm Incarnate, which, in the shape of Ladybird, came flying across the orchard to announce luncheon. "And Stella is invited too," she declared; "Aunt Priscilla said so." But Stella declined the invitation, and so Chester Humphreys and Ladybird strolled back to Primrose Hall the same way they had come. "Now," said Ladybird, with an air that would have sat well upon Napoleon after the battle of Austerlitz, "what have you to say for yourself?" "I have a great deal to say for myself," said Humphreys, "and it is to be said now, and it is to be said to you, and it is strictly confidential." "That means I mustn't tell, doesn't it?" inquired Ladybird, nodding her wise head. "It means just that; and it also means that I trust you implicitly: that I have faith in your honor, loyalty, and truth." "You may," said Ladybird, looking at him with her eyes full of an integrity suggestive of the rock of Gibraltar--"you may depend on me. I am a Flint." "Very well, then," said Chester. "Now, my little Flint, listen to me. You did a rash and daring thing when you wrote that letter to the governor; but never mind that part now: it may be that an inscrutable Fate used you for a straw to show which way the wind was blowing." "Are you going to marry Stella?" demanded Ladybird, who took little interest in proverbial philosophy. "That's the first thing I want to speak to you about," said Humphreys; "you _must_ overcome your propensity for asking that question. It is a habit, and unless broken, it may defeat your own ends." "Oh, talk so I can understand you," said Ladybird, impatiently. "And, anyway, _are_ you?" "Listen, Ladybird," said Chester Humphreys, suddenly becoming very straightforward and serious. "You are very fond of your friend Stella, and you want to help her; and it may be that you will be able to do so if you are willing to listen to reason. And first you must stop asking me if I'm going to marry Stella, because that is a thing that a man does not tell other people until he has discussed it with the lady most interested. Also, if it is your wish that I shall marry Miss Russell, the surest way to prevent it is for you to go about repeating that foolish question. Now I told you I intended to be confidential with you, so I will say that I admire Miss Russell very much indeed--more, I think, than any other young woman I have ever met; but it is not nice nor wise from that fact to jump immediately to the conclusion of a wedding. Because I admire Miss Russell is an especial reason why I wish you to treat her with deference, consideration, and delicacy. Matters of this sort must advance slowly and unfold their possibilities as they go on. What may happen in the future cannot be decided now, or even discussed. You have done your part, and though your methods were unusual, your plan succeeded. Now any further attempt on your part to assist will prove only a hindrance. Am I clear?"