"Oh,—will you really? Don't you think it might be better to go away from here first and try it somewhere down in the country, as we agreed. They will be sure to remark so on any sudden change in you."
"I hope," said Miss Augusta with severity and dignity, "you do not mean to say I look so old that the taking off of a few years will make a very visible difference. I am quite aware I may not look as young as I once did, but that this is so very perceptible as you seem to imply, I really do not believe."
"Oh no! of course not. I did not exactly mean that," murmured Miss Prudence.
She had meant it, however, so found it difficult to explain away her words. One generally does find it difficult under such circumstances.
Miss Augusta, taking no further notice, proceeded to lock the precious bottle into a drawer, and had scarcely done so when the dinner bell rang.
"Good gracious!" exclaimed Prudence, "I must run and dress."
She hastily opened the door of her room, but the frisky Toutou was too quick for her. He darted forward and almost upset her in his eagerness to get out.
