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THE IDEA OF THE DUCHESS
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the privilege, of a bridegroom to make presents to bridesmaids."

Pollyooly smiled her most angelic smile.

"If he had been in London, he would doubtless have bought it for you himself. But I am strongly against his coming to London yet a while—not, indeed, until his mother-in-law has had time to cool. There is a little matter of false entry, which you would not understand, in his way. And though it is not likely that Lady Tullislaith would go to the lengths of breaking off the marriage, it is better that she should not be given the chance of trying to trouble love's young dream by putting pressure on Captain Croome."

"No, sir," said Pollyooly.

The Honorable John Ruffin regarded her thoughtfully for a minute; then he said, "I'm inclined to think that it's a good thing that Captain Croome isn't in town to give you a bracelet or a brooch. They are not good investments, ten-pound trinkets. I think you'd better add the ten pounds to your bank account. Then later, if you want to buy a ten-pound bracelet, you can always do it."

"Yes, sir; I'd rather," said Pollyooly firmly.