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 that you would do it better than any of us, for you have more strength of character than any of us and a much greater knowledge of business."

"M'm," said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins doubtfully.

"Of course it won't be an easy job; I am one of the subscribers and another is the artist to whom Pollyooly sat for the illustrations to the fairy stories in the Blue Magazine. But that makes you all the more the right man to manage the fund. If it were an easy job, I wouldn't ask you."

"I must think it over," said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins, properly flattered and properly unconscious of the fact. "If I don't undertake to manage the fund, I'll subscribe to it. She's certainly a remarkable child; and it would be money well spent."

He had only just had it brought home to him that Pollyooly was a remarkable child, but now he saw it very clearly indeed.

"Good," said the Honorable John Ruffin, going toward the door.

"By the way, I don't think she ought to be called Pollyooly any longer—now that you've found out that she's a red Deeping," said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins with conviction.