Page:Jepson--Pollyooly.djvu/77

 can't pay the whole amount at present, so we must stave off the evil day."

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly.

"I must not be writted. That is the first evil day to stave off. I must have time. Time, Pollyooly, is a wonderful thing."

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly.

"With time I can set about arranging to get the money to pay this abominable whole amount I must, Pollyooly, strain my credit."

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly, moving toward the bedroom with an armful of assorted trousers.

"Have you ever reflected what a weakly thing credit is—how easily it is strained?" said he.

"No, sir," said Pollyooly, pausing.

"It is a weakling indeed—alas, that it should be so!" said the Honorable John Ruffin very sadly.

Pollyooly said nothing; but she gazed at him with the limpid, sympathetic eyes of a sorrowing angel.

The Honorable John Ruffin paused, considering. Pollyooly carried the armful of trousers into the bedroom and restored them to their presses.

When she came back into the sitting-room, the