He might have been an auditor of the previous conversation, so quickly and completely did he seem to take in the whole situation at a glance.

Perhaps there was an extra tilt to his black-ribboned Panama hat, and a certain dancing devilry in his brown eyes--which might also have been an answer to adverse criticism.
"When I, his truth to prove, would trifle with my love," he warbled in general continuance from the doorway.

Then dropping cheerfully into speech, he added, "Well, boys, I am here to welcome the little stranger, and to trust that the family are doing as well as can be expected.

Ah! there it is! Bless it!" he went on, walking leisurely to the treasure.
"Triplets, too!--and plump at that.

Have you had 'em weighed ?" Frankness was an essential quality of Heavy Tree Hill.