g slightly self-conscious for a moment. 'And
how do you feel now you're entirely metamorphosed?'

'Entirely metamorphosed, am I?' he said rather bitterly, 'Just on
account of a change of raiment. Yet Dr. Johnson said, "Fine clothes
are good only as they supply the want of other means of procuring
respect."'

'Oh, I always respected you, William,' I put in hastily, 'And don't
quote Dr. Johnson now. It doesn't go with your tie.'

He groaned. 'Must I change my expressions, my thoughts, my very mode
of living to match the garments I wear?'

'I'm afraid you must. But tell me,' I added, looking earnestly into
his face, 'doesn't this outward change affect you inwardly as
well--just a little? You _must_ be feeling more--what shall I
say--sprightly than before?'

He looked down at me as if puzzled, and then said in a half shame-faced
way, 'Mrs. Warrington, there is some truth in that remark of yours.
Some subtle, inexplicable change that I cannot account for has come
over me. Even as Samson's strength lay in his hair, do you think my
reason lay in my beard?'

'It depends on the quality of the reason. Describe your present
symptoms to me, William.'

He avoided my gaze. 'It is quite impossible to analyse them, I assure
you.'

'Let me help. Look at me steadily,' I said impressively. 'Now try, as
far as possible, to describe me.'

There was a pause. 'I'm afraid you'll be offended, Madame,' he began.

'No, I won't. Go on,' I commanded.

'Well, as a matter of fact, although I have known you for over nine
years, it has never before occurred to me to notice that you are
an--an--exceedingly pretty woman--but I am offending you?'

'Not in the least, William. Go on.'

'Before, I merely remarked you as Henry's wife--that was all. Why
should I so suddenly observe your facial aspect? As Dr. Johnson once
said----'

'Cut out Dr. Johnson, and go on with that bit about the facial aspect,'
I put in gently.

'It must, of course, be self-consciousness arising out of my unusual
adornment,' he went on, 'but despite myself I am compelled to notice
your attractive qualities. I must, however, overcome this deplorable
tendency--combat it----'

'I shouldn't combat it too strongly at first,' I suggested. 'It's
always better to do things by degrees. What a nice mouth you have,
William.'

'So have you,' he said, pondering on the discovery.

I blushed. William suddenly started back and smote his brow with his
hand.