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LOVE'S MESSENGER
183

Pollyooly looked after her scuttling form with a dark and lowering frown; then her face began to clear; for her anger was used to go as quickly as it came. But before it was quite clear, two young men and two maidens descended on her, and began to buy her violets. They were some time about it, for they had to laugh and joke a great deal. The young men gave her two shillings, and passed on.

Pollyooly looked at the two shillings and then, bidding the Lump stand quite still, ran after them.

"Please, sir; you've given me two shillings; and it's only one!" she cried, holding out one of the shillings.

"Oh, that's all right," said one of the young men, smiling back at her.

Pollyooly returned to the Lump, wondering at the extravagance of the leisured classes.

Then she saw Lady Grizel Harland crossing the road accompanied by a gaunt maid of dragon-like aspect. Grizel walked with a very listless step, wearing a somber air; she looked to be plunged in gloomy reflection. At first her eyes rested on Pollyooly and the Lump with no light of recognition in them. Then they brightened; then they saw the violets,