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, mindful of the Esmeralda's strictures on that deserving but incompetent class.

"I dare say not; but they're on the stage, so fellows can marry them. And I can marry you if you're going on the stage. Don't you see?" said Ronald eagerly.

"Yes," said Pollyooly gravely.

"You're sure you don't mind?" said Ronald a little anxiously.

"No; I should like it," said Pollyooly with her angel smile.

"Then we might as well be regularly engaged."

"All right," said Pollyooly in a pleased tone. "But, of course, we won't get married till you've been on the stage for a bit—just to make it quite right," he said with a thoughtful caution.

"But I've been on the stage," said Pollyooly.

"Yes; of course you have. But we shan't be able to get married for a good many years; and I think you'd better go on it a bit more before we get married. It mightn't count properly, your being so young."

"All right. I should like it," said Pollyooly.