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56 “Quite true,” said Gay, “'we have no right, as you say, to interfere with the arrangements of engaged couples. That narrows our sphere of action very considerably.”

“Then the widows and the widowers of less than one year's standing should be exempted from its influence.”

“Certainly, most certainly. That reflection did not occur to me, I confess. It is clear that the dispensing of the philtre will be a very delicate operation: it will have to be conducted with the utmost tact. Can you think of any more exceptions?”

“Let me see,” said Jessie. “There's Tibbits, our gardener, who has fits; and there's Williamson, papa's second groom, who drinks, oughtn't to be allowed to marry; and Major Crump, who uses dreadful language before ladies; and Dame Parboy, who is bed-ridden; and the old ladies in the almshouses—and little Tommy, the idiot—and, indeed, all children under—under what age shall we say?”

“All children who have not been confirmed,” said Gay. “Yes, these exceptions never occurred to me.”

“I don't think we shall ever use the nine gallons, dear,” said Jessie. “One tablespoonful is a dose.”

“I have just thought of another exception,” said Gay. “Your papa.”

“Oh! papa must marry again! Poor dear old papa! Oh! You must let him marry.”

“My dear Jessie,” said Gay, “Heaven has offered me the chance of entering into the married state unencumbered with a mother-in-law. And I am content to accept the blessing as I find it. Indeed, I prefer it so."