ford, in order that the collector of the fund need be under no scruples about harrying it out of him, and might have the less trouble in doing so. His suggestion that he should try to get Mr. Gedge-Tomkins to become the collector of the funds was welcomed by all of them. If one of them were collector, it was conceivable that he would find coolness arising between himself and those who proved tardy payers. None of them admitted the possibility of tardy payment; they were all too enthusiastic about promoting a great Art and Pollyooly. Yet they perceived clearly that the Honorable John Ruffin had good reason in his suggestion.
When, therefore, all their subscriptions had been fixed, he went one morning after breakfast to Mr. Gedge-Tomkins and found him in the middle of his soothing morning pipe.
He bade him good morning in a very brisk and businesslike tone, and said, "Some friends of Mary Bride have decided that she is to adopt the career of dancing—stage dancing."
"Stage dancing—that child?" said Mr. Gedge-Tomkins in a tone of great surprise. Then he frowned severely and added, "Why not let her stay
