Page:Jepson--Pollyooly.djvu/220

 "Certainly—certainly—as many as you like," said the Honorable John Ruffin. "The disguise of a flower-seller is no longer needed. You can wear your prettiest frock if you like. Hurry up and get it on."

"Thank you, sir," said Pollyooly gratefully.

"And I think you'd better ask that friend of yours—what's her name? Mrs. Brown—yes, Mrs. Brown—to take charge of the Lump for you this morning. You had better be unhampered. Speed may be necessary."

Pollyooly's face fell a little. She would have enjoyed taking the Lump in glorious apparel in Captain Croome's motor-car. But she said, "Very well, sir;" and hurried away.

She was quick changing into her golden frock; then she took the Lump to Mrs. Brown in Alsatia. Several of its inhabitants spoke to her about her frock as she passed, in terms which showed envious natures; but she was too busy to give them the appropriate answers.

She left the Lump in charge of Mrs. Brown, who was no less delighted to have his society for the morning than overwhelmed by the splendor of