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.
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