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 trying, Pollyooly. The fact is I was born to enjoy the services of a valet; and every morning the effort of deciding what to wear brings home to me afresh the unkindness of fortune in robbing me of my birthright."

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly politely. She liked the conversation of the Honorable John Ruffin, though she rarely put the strain of trying to understand it on her tender mind.

"How is your aunt this morning?" he said.

Pollyooly flushed faintly and said quickly, "She's no better, sir, thank you."

"Well, I hope she'll soon be well enough to begin work again."

"Don't I do it right, sir?" said Pollyooly anxiously.

"Quite—quite. You keep the place quite as clean, and you have a way with bacon your aunt could never hope to rival. I can only ascribe it to the possession of genius—genius, Pollyooly; and when Fortune relents, I shall attach you to my person, at a large salary, for the sole purpose of grilling my breakfast bacon for me. I have decided that when I start on my tour round the world I shall take with