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 Pollyooly was much impressed by the action; she had never seen him do it before.

The duchess seemed unaffected by it; for she only said calmly, "Of course you'll help. I'm relying on you. No one will ever know."

The Honorable John Ruffin looked at her smiling, animated face, and smiled himself.

"It will be a great game—a great game, Caroline," he said.

"Won't it?" said the duchess.

"I should like to see Osterley's face if he ever tumbles to it," he said; and he laughed with veritable glee.

"So should I," said the duchess in a vindictive tone.

"Well, well, I've always thought it an infernal shame that you didn't get the custody of Marion. This is a chance of a lifetime to repair a miscarriage of justice. I'm with you, Caroline," he said with a splendid air.

"If you'll stand by me, I'm sure we shall pull it off," said the duchess with joyous conviction.

Over their tea they fell to discussing the details, and had perfected the duchess' plan, when the