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. "What I'm wondering is how the dickens you'll raise fifty pounds."

"Well, as a matter of fact, I have an uncle—a rich uncle," said Hilary Vance in a tone of hesitation. "And he has said to me two or three times, 'When you get into an infernal mess with a woman, Hilary, you come straight to me. I'd rather pay than acquire the niece by marriage you're likely to provide.' He has no manners; and his soul is cramped."

"That's more than his brain seems to be," said Mr. James in a tone of relief. "I think I should like your uncle."

"I should think it very likely. He has the same small head and small features that you have," said Hilary Vance.

"My features are large enough for all practical purposes," said Mr. James tartly. "Well, Ermyntrude has got to be squared; and your uncle is the man to provide the means of squaring her."

They discussed the necessity of an early visit to Hilary Vance's uncle; and Mr. James insisted on accompanying the artist, since he would have to do the actual squaring. It is not unlikely that he looked