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 fortune; and who knows but what it may lead to fame?" he ended in a tone of enthusiasm.

"I'll look after her," said the Esmeralda.

"I'm sure you will, I already feel that I can trust her with you. And yet I am not one in whom confidence is easily inspired," said the Honorable John Ruffin. "Bring some fresh tea, please, Pollyooly; and we will discuss the details. Be sure you cut the bread and butter very thin."

"No: thick for me, please," said the Esmeralda quickly. "I've been in South America for months, and there is no bread and butter in South America, so I can't get it too thick."

"Good Heavens!" said the Honorable John Ruffin. "Do not tell me that there is no grilled bacon there either."

"There certainly isn't," said the Esmeralda.

"What a country!" said the Honorable John Ruffin.

"Oh, it is!" said the Esmeralda with conviction.

Pollyooly went to make some fresh tea. When she returned, the Esmeralda was saying with her eager animation:

"No, no; the men are worse. The food and the