"I did not mean it," he said, "and I beg your pardon. I was simply unfortunate in the article I selected. And who gave you this?" In saying which he took up a little ivory foot-rule that was folded up so as to bring it within the compass of three inches.

"I beg your pardon. I was simply unfortunate in the article I selected. Who gave you this?" He picked up a little folding ivory ruler.
