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 dishonesty," said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins in a firmly moral tone.

"I am quite sure that Pollyooly is as honest as the day," said the Honorable John Ruffin; and his eyes sparkled.

"Well, on deception then," said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins.

"As long as they do their work and do not rob him a gentleman has no concern whatever with the morals of his servants. I leave that kind of thing to the middle classes," said the Honorable John Ruffin haughtily.

"The morals of our servants concern us very deeply," said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins ponderously. "And mark my words: you'll live to regret having that child about—the deceitful little minx!"

"Evidently you have never come across a real minx, or you wouldn't call Pollyooly one. I hope you'll come across one very soon. She'd do you a world of good," said the Honorable John Ruffin amiably.

"That child will rob you to a dead certainty," said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins with solemn conviction.

"Well, if she does—not that I believe for an