‘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.  ‘Isn’t Henry coming in?  Where is he?’ he demanded wildly.

‘Are you so anxious to see Henry at the moment?’

’I am.  Mrs. Warrington, I am ashamed to admit the preposterous idea that came into my mind just now.  You and Henry would never forgive me—­never countenance me again—­it was intolerable, incredible——­’ He paused and wiped his brow.  ‘Why doesn’t Henry come in?’

‘What was the preposterous idea?’ I asked, wondering.

’Well, you’ll hardly believe it—­scarcely realize what you’ve escaped . . . just now, had you been a foot closer to me I believe—­I believe, Mrs. Warrington, I should have kissed you!’