During dinner he had been very courteous to both his guests, but towards Eames he had used a good-humoured and, almost affectionate familiarity.

He had quizzed him for having been found asleep under the tree, telling Crofts that he had looked very forlorn,--"So that I haven't a doubt about his being in love," said the earl.

And he had asked Johnny to tell the name of the fair one, bringing up the remnants of his half-forgotten classicalities to bear out the joke.

"If I am to take more of the severe Falernian," said he, laying his hand on the decanter of port, "I must know the lady's name.

Whoever she be, I'm well sure you need not blush for her.