looks the dowdier the more expensively she's gowned."

"So you believe you've got that wisp of copper-tinted hair tucked up
snugly?" asked Selwyn, amused.

"I--it's still a worry to me; at intervals she's inclined to let it
slop. Thank Heaven, I've made her spine permanently straight and her
head is screwed properly to her neck. There's not a slump to her from
crown to heel--_I_ know, you know. She's had specialists to forestall
every blemish. I made up my mind to do it; I'm doing it for my own
babies. That's what a mother is for--to turn out her offspring to the
world as flawless and wholesome as when they came into it!--physically
and mentally sound--or a woman betrays her stewardship. They must be as
healthy of body and limb as they are innocent and wholesome minded. The
happiest of all creatures are drilled thoroughbreds. Show me a young
girl, unspoiled mentally and spiritually untroubled, with a superb
physique, and I'll show you a girl equipped for the happiness of this
world. And that is what Eileen is."

"I should say," observed Selwyn, "that she's equipped for the slaughter
of man."

"Yes, but _I_ am selecting the victim," replied his sister demurely.

"Oh! Have you? Already?"

"Tentatively."

"Who?"