The Earl gave a grim half laugh--it was short and grim, but itwas a laugh.

"You would, would you?" he exclaimed.

He hated America and Americans, but it amused him to see howserious and interested this small patriot was. He thought thatso good an American might make a rather good Englishman when hewas a man.

They had not time to go somewhat deep into the Revolution again--andindeed Lord Fauntleroy felt some delicacy about returning to thesubject--before dinner was announced.

Cedric left his chair and went to his noble kinsman. He lookeddown at his gouty foot.

"Would you like me to help you?" he said politely. "You couldlean on me, you know. 0nce when Mr. Hobbs hurt his leg with apotato-barrel rolling on it, he used to lean on me."