THE DUKE'S IDEA TAKES FORM Pollyooly came quickly, but she came in some trepidation lest after all the duke might be going to scold her.

A glance at his face reassured her: he was certainly not angry.
The Honourable John Ruffin said gravely: "The duke wants you to do a piece of work for him, Pollyooly--a very well-paid piece of work." At the words "well-paid" the duke started in his chair with a look of pain; but Pollyooly's deep blue eyes shone suddenly like bright stars, and she smiled a heavenly smile.

It was not that she was mercenary.
But it was the chief aim of her life to raise a wall of gold (it could not be too thick or too high) between the Lump and the workhouse.
"Yes ?" she said a little breathlessly.
"He wants you to go down to his house in the country and pretend to be his little daughter, Lady Marion Ricksborough.

You're exactly like her, and if you pretend properly, no one will know you're not her.

Do you think you could do it ?" said the Honourable John Ruffin briskly.
Pollyooly smiled again, and said confidently: "Oh, yes.