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 CHAPTER XV

IN WHICH WE SIT AT THE FEET OF GAMALIEL

On the morrow, or about midnight that same day, to be precise, when Arminius Wingrove came into the club after attending an important première, the great man was engaged in conversation by Mr. Philip while they dallied with devilled kidneys and other comestibles.

"Minnie," said the vain young fellow, "everybody says you are the cleverest chap in London, so I want your advice."

Rather cool, perhaps, to demand advice of the cleverest chap in London in this point-blank manner, but Arminius, who kept a generous heart beneath his waist-*coat of white piquè, showed no displeasure.

"If you mean about the girl you are making a fool of yourself over," said the great man, "don't, is the advice I shall have to give you."

"Oh, but I've got beyond that already," said the vain young fellow with a rather grand simplicity.

"Have you, though?" said Arminius, pensive-like.

"Yes, I'm goin' to marry her if she'll have me, but the trouble is, she won't."