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 success with which she had played her difficult part. Then he said:

"And how did the people at the court strike you, Mrs. Bride—your revered, but temporary, sire, the duke, your amiable aunt, your intelligent governess, and the visitors?"

Pollyooly gazed at him earnestly and knitted her brow in the effort to get her impressions clear; then she said, "I thought they were very quiet, sir."

"Empty—quite empty," said the Honorable John Ruffin.

"Yes, sir. That was it," said Pollyooly with an angel smile.

"Very different from Mr. Gedge-Tomkins talking to a common bailiff, or Mr. Vance talking about a new idea, or Mr. James talking to Mr. Vance about Mr. Vance's new idea? Eh?" he said smiling.

"Yes, sir; quite different," said Pollyooly.

"Ah, Mrs. Bride, I fear we are spoiling you for the common life. You will grow up to expect too much from your fellow-creatures—too many brains. However, it can't be helped," he said mournfully.

"No, sir. I don't mind, sir," said Pollyooly in a soothing tone.