Page:Jepson--Pollyooly.djvu/60

 "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," said Pollyooly; and her eyes shone on him gratefully.

He gazed at her with a considerable pleasure, for he was not one of those on whose æsthetic sensibilities the possession of an angel child as Temple laundress could pall.

Then he said, "On consideration, Pollyooly, I have come to the conclusion that, now that you have become my resident housekeeper, you can no longer be truly reckoned a Temple laundress."

"No, sir," said Pollyooly.

The Honorable John Ruffin surveyed her gravely for a minute; then he went on, "Moreover I do not think that the name 'Pollyooly' is quite the name for the housekeeper of a gentleman of—of—shall we say, rank and fashion. It is a position of dignity, you know."

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly gravely.

"And naturally the holder of a position of dignity should have a dignified name."

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly.

"Therefore I shall call you 'Mrs. Hooley,'" said the Honorable John Ruffin.

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly. "But my name isn't