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 sir, is as that there little gel 'as bin deceivin' you, sir, most shameful—the hartful little 'uzzy, she is," said Mrs. Meeken, with an admirable display of virtuous indignation.

"How rarely do we find beauty and virtue conjoined," said the Honorable John Ruffin sadly, but in a guarded tone.

"You mye well say so, sir," said Mrs. Meeken piously. "An' when I 'eard this very afternoon as ever was as 'ow that little 'uzzy's aunt was dead, an' 'ad been dead this three weeks, an' you knowin' nothink about it, Hi sez to myself, 'Not a single wink of sleep will you get this night, Maria Meeken, knowin' as 'ow those two poor gentlemen are bein' hart fully deceived, hunless you hups an' houts wiv it."

"In matter of morals one should never wait," said the Honorable John Ruffin sententiously. "I congratulate you, Mrs. Meeken, on the speed with which you have performed this painful duty. Good evening."

Mrs. Meeken's face fell; and she looked at him with a sudden, uneasy surprise. Then she said, "You'll be wantin' a laundress, sir."