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 He went into the chambers of Mr. Gedge-Tomkins and knocked at his sitting-room door. Mr. Gedge-Tomkins, in a gruff voice, bade him enter, and surveyed him, on his entrance, with cold, disapproving eyes.

"Good morning," said the Honorable John Ruffin in his most amiable tone. "I've arranged for Mary Bride to get away into the country for a fortnight. She's looking pale; and fresh air will do her good. I hope you don't mind. It was all arranged on the spur of the moment, and there was no time to consult you."

"M'm: what am I to do for a laundress?" said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins not at all ungraciously.

"Well, I have a very respectable woman coming in to look after me. She could do for you, too, if you like."

"Does she drink?" said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins quickly, as a vision of Mrs. Meeken rose before the eyes of his mind.

"Certainly not. She's the wife of a policeman," said the Honorable John Ruffin with decision.

"Is she? Then if you get a chance you might hint to her that I do not mind her drinking my