the reason by which he guided his regular life; and after a short discussion in which they settled the matter of her wages, he engaged her in Pollyooly's place. It must, in all fairness, be urged in his excuse that he lacked the Honorable John Ruffin's sensitiveness of nostril.
Mrs. Meeken returned to the Prince of Wales' head in triumph, the proudest woman in London. She had vindicated the straight, undeceptive path and in performing this noble deed, gained the desire of her heart.
Pollyooly came to her work next morning unwitting of the misfortune which had befallen her. She only learned it from the sight, and smell, of Mrs. Meeken in Mr. Gedge-Tomkins' kitchen; and at that sight the hue of wild roses which faintly stained her clear pale cheeks faded from them utterly.
The good woman greeted her with a malevolent grin of triumph and said, "It's all up with you 'ere, you bryzen little 'uzzy. 'E's a-wytin' for you, 'e is; an' I wouldn't be in your shoes not for nothink, I wouldn't. In you go."
In Pollyooly went, and Mr. Gedge-Tomkins received her with a scowl and a terrible snort of indig-
