l coverings.

'There may be something in what you say, and I will consider your
suggestion regarding the trousers, Elizabeth,' I conceded, 'but the
suggestion that I should shave is perfectly monstrous and I won't think
of it for a moment.'

'Well, to my mind it's one of the first things wot ought to be done
with you,' she said in what seemed to me a disparaging sort of voice,
'wots the good o' puttin' a fancy westcoat an' a watch an' albert on a
chap when 'e's got an 'ead like a wild man o' the woods. There ort to
be no 'arf an' 'arf about it, I ses.'

I looked at the girl sternly, feeling that her speech was becoming
unduly familiar. Nevertheless, I was conscious of a certain gratitude
for her suggestion, and after she had gone out, I began to consider it
from all points. There could be no harm in gradually making those
changes in my habits and apparel which would bring about Miss
Warrington's disillusionment, but it must be fairly gradual. Otherwise
it might attract undue attention, for there are times when I think I am
just a trifle careless about my appearance.

I decided I had better begin operations with a new suit. This would
involve changing my regular tailor. The one who has had my custom for
the last quarter of a century is used to my way of putting my head
round his door once in three years and commanding, 'A tweed lounge
suit, the same as the last.'

'Yes, sir,' he invariably concurs, 'any difference in measurements,
sir?'

'I think not,' I reply, 'but make it quite loose and comfortable in
case I've added a few inches to the waist.'

That is all. Occasionally, of course, I vary the order by making it an
overcoat, or an extra pair of slacks (when I burn holes in my usual
ones, which frequently happens), but the procedure is always the same.
It can easily be understood that I had not the courage to confront him
after all these years with a demand for the latest thing in the
season's suitings, and especial injunctions regarding style and cut.

As I was dwelling on the annoyances and difficulties that were already
presenting themselves, Miss Warrington came in. I must confess that,
as I looked at the irritating female whose misplaced affections were
already harassing me, I felt slightly confused. Since I had first
learned of her insane infatuation I had studiously avoided being left
alone with her for one instant. At the moment, however, there was no
possibility of escape, as she stood betw