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 Don't let us heed the rude girl opposite. She is quite safe in the competent hands of Arminius.

"Here's your whisky and polly," said the Principal Girl; "and Mr. Wingrove's, too. Better have some more tea, I think. Miss Percival and Lady Adela are going to have some to keep me company. Oh, yes, please. And I say, waiter, have you any of those cakes with currants in them, like you get at Blackhampton?"

The waiter said he would inquire.

Never mind the rude girl opposite; Arminius has her in hand. With that chaste pair of yellow gloves and his knowledge of the world, he will be able to manage her, no doubt. A Miss Caspar—Drury Lane—going far said those who knew—the Backinghams were taking her up—the stock was bound to go higher. Sorry that the stage had no interest for Lady Adela. Yes, the Cassel was looking awfully well just now, in every way quite its own bright and cheery Presence.

The heir to the barony said he had been to Blackhampton.

"Only once—but I've been there."

"Oh, how interesting!—to play for the Olympians against Blackhampton Rovers—no—really—I didn't catch your name—why who are you?"

"My name is Shelmerdine," said the heir to the barony, as modestly as the circumstances permitted.

"Why—the Mr. Shelmerdine!"