ing of their hopes. Naturally in that disappointment the
Bellingham Home grew more and more attractive as it receded into the
distance. She did not cease to discuss it with Millicent; and it grew
clearer and clearer to her that it was worth her while to make the
attempt to procure the duke's assistance in the scheme.

"He may be disagreeable. But he won't bite," she said in a somewhat
contemptuous tone.

Accordingly a few mornings later she came to the Honourable John Ruffin
with a very earnest face and said:

"Please, sir: I think after all I should like to go and ask the duke to
put Millie into that home."

"You do?" said the Honourable John Ruffin in a tone of surprise.
"Well, it's any odds that he'll refuse nastily."

"Yes, sir: but I think I ought to try. It would be so nice for Millie.
Besides he won't bi--hurt me, sir," said Pollyooly firmly.

"No, he won't bite you. Dukes don't. Well, after all, if you don't
mind being rebuffed, it is worth trying," said the Honourable John
Ruffin.

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly eagerly, very pleased to find that he did
not forbid her outright to make the attempt.

The Honourable John Ruffin gazed at her thoughtfully; then he said in
his best judicial tone:

"Well, if you're going to have a shot at it, there are one or two
things you'd better do to give yourself the best chance of success. In
the first place you must try to catch him after lunch, about a quarter
to three--he's in a good temper then. And when you do catch him, don't
be too gentle with him. Gentleness is rather wasted on Osterley. Be
civil, of course, and be sure to address him as 'Your Grace' all the
time. But be firm. Give yourself a few airs. After all, you are
undoubtedly as much a red Deeping as Lady Marion; and Osterley's great
grandfather was a Manchester tradesman."

"Yes, sir," said Pollyooly, and her eyes began to shine.

"And be sure to wear your prettiest frock," the Honourable John Ruffin
went on. "I think your amber silk. Osterley, for all his
cantankerousness, is as susceptible as the next duke."

"Oh, yes, sir: I'll wear my amber silk of course. And do you think I'd
better take Millie with me so that he can actually see what she's like?"

The Honourable John Ruffin hesitated, pondering the question. Then he
said with decision:

"No. Go alone. I think you'll be more effective alone. It will make
Osterley feel more helpless."

"Very well, sir," said Pollyooly cheer