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POLLYOOLY

er—er—a mistake. It—er—er—seems you aren't Marion after all."

"I told you so, and you wouldn't believe me. And so did Ronald," said Pollyooly in a tone of unmistakable triumph.

"It was er—er—the likeness. You're very like my little girl," said the duke in the unhappiest tone.

"Only more intelligent looking—Ronald says so," said Pollyooly firmly.

"Perhaps—perhaps. And then the clothes you're wearing; and then—er—er—finding you with my nephew—"

"I asked her to come out because she's so like Marion," Ronald interposed quickly.

"We seem somehow or other to be drifting away from the subject of compensation," said the Honorable John Ruffin in his most agreeable tone.

"Ah, yes; compensation," said the duke with a fresh air of gloom. "I suppose a couple of sovereigns—"

"My dear Osterley—assault, abuse, and malicious imprisonment," said the Honorable John Ruffin in a tone of protest.

"Well, five pounds," said the duke more gloomily.