"You're not _very_ clear," said Ladybird, with a thoughtful pucker between her eyebrows, "but I think I understand what you mean. You mean that you'd like to marry Stella, but it isn't polite to hurry her so, and, anyway, you're not quite sure about it." "Well," said Humphreys, "that states the situation pretty fairly, though without mentioning its more subtle details." "Well, I'm satisfied," said Ladybird; "it's all right, and I think we understand each other. Don't hurry any faster than you choose; and, anyhow, now that Stella has seen you, I know she'll never look at Charley Hayes again. And as to your not being quite sure of yourself, I know very well that you'll only get surer every time you see her." "Very likely," said Humphreys. "But remember, Ladybird, this is a confidence that I have intrusted to you, feeling sure that you will prove yourself worthy of it." "See my finger wet, See my finger dry, See my finger cut my throat if I tell a lie!" chanted Ladybird, suiting to her words actions rather more realistic than dramatic, but which carried conviction. After luncheon Chester Humphreys had an interview with the Misses Flint that somehow induced those ladies to invite him to remain longer under their roof. "You see, aunty," said Ladybird, when she heard of Humphreys's acceptance of this invitation,--"you see I am not such a fool as I look." "Which is fortunate for us all," said Miss Priscilla, grimly. "Quite so," said Ladybird, serenely; "for I know sometimes I do look and act most exceeding foolish. But I suppose that is because I am really a Flint." Whereupon, for some inexplicable reason, Miss Priscilla kissed her. CHAPTER XVIII LAVINIA LOVELL It must be that the exception proves the rule, for though the love of Chester Humphreys and Stella Russell was undoubtedly true, its course ran smooth. One afternoon in August, Stella, Chester, and Ladybird sat out in the orchard. "Now that you two are engaged," said Ladybird, "if you wish, I will go away and leave you to your own self." "Don't bother, Ladybird," said Chester; "understand once for all that when we wish to be left to our own 'self,' we will either arrange it cleverly and unostentatiously, or else ask you frankly to take your departure." "Then that's settled," said Ladybird, leaning comfortably against a tree-trunk; "you are really the nicest engaged couple I ever knew." "Have you known many?" asked Stella. "Not many," said Ladybird, truthfully; "but I knew a few in India, and India's the place for them." "Child," said Chester, suddenly, "tell us something of your life in India. It seems to me a bit mysterious." "I don't see any mystery about it," said Ladybird, cheerfully. "My mama died when I was born, and I lived all my life with my old ayah. Sometimes I didn't see my papa for two or three years at a time; but when he did come he brought me the most beautiful presents."