"It looks the only solution; and after all why shouldn't you adopt the Lump? People do adopt children."
"Not dukes," said the duke coldly.
"Oh, if you break the ice, I expect they'll adopt them by the dozen," said the Honourable John Ruffin cheerfully. "There isn't any real reason why you shouldn't. You have this new and very proper desire to become thoroughly domesticated. The Lump is one of the very people to gratify it. Besides, it will give the people at the court something to talk about, and take their minds off Pollyooly."
"I should jolly well think it would!" growled the duke.
"Well, it's the only thing to do," said the Honourable John Ruffin.
"Do you think so?" said the duke doubtfully; and he blinked.
"I'm sure of it," said the Honourable John Ruffin confidently. "You can't have Pollyooly without the Lump."
The duke shook his head, turned to Pollyooly, and said:
"I tell you what: I'll make it eight pounds a week, if you'll come alone."
Pollyooly shook her head and said sadly: