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 "Yes, sir," said Pollyooly doubtfully.

The gray eyes of the Honorable John Ruffin twinkled, and he said, "Surely your neighbors have pointed this out to you?"

For the first time the respectful seriousness of Pollyooly's face was broken by a frown; and her eyes flashed. "The big boys call me 'Ginger,' sir," she said.

"The big boy is an insensate creature," said the Honorable John Ruffin with the sententious assurance of an expert anthropologist. "And what do little boys call you?"

"They don't call me anything. I've taught them not to," said Pollyooly with a sudden, unangelic truculence.

The Honorable John Ruffin chuckled. "I might have known it—red hair will out," he said in the pleased tone of one who chances on yet another proof of a cherished theory.

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly.

Reluctantly she left him to finish his breakfast and betook herself to the set of chambers on the other side of the landing to prepare the breakfast of Mr. Gedge-Tomkins. Mr. Gedge-Tomkins felt no need