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34 gross a person; for I was always a bit of an epicure in such matters. There must have been some reason for it,” said he, musingly. “I wonder what it was?”—then with a sudden start, “I have it! I must have married her for her money? That's it—she was a wealthy widow, no doubt, and I married her for her money."

Having settled this point, much to his own satisfaction (for it quite accounted for his extravagant style of living), he proceeded, with the assistance of a quiet valet, to dress for dinner.

“Which studs will you wear to-night, Sir Frederick?” said the man.

“Oh, well, let me see, which did I wear last night?”

“The plain pearls, Sir Frederick.”

“Then I'll wear the plain pearls to-night.”

“Beg pardon, Sir Frederick, but if you remember one of the pearls came off, and you told me to take it to the jeweller's.”

“True, how stupid of me! Well, I'll wear the others.”

“Which others. Sir Frederick?”

“Which others?” said Freddy angrily. "Why, the others to be sure! Which others should I mean, you donkey?”

The valet shrugged his shoulders, and Freddy finished his toilet. As he was putting the final touch to his tie, the lady's maid rapped at the door.

“Please, sir, my lady says will you hurry please, as some of 'em have arrived.”

“Who has arrived?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Bortle, and Lord Portico, Sir Frederick.”