tall, thin man, with light, closely cropped hair, a drooping
moustache that hid his mouth, and a nose of the order aquiline, and
species "chiselled." For the present the lower half of his face was
obscured with lather. His dress--I put it thus in case Miss Limpenny
should read these lines--was that usually worn by gentlemen under
similar circumstances.

Mr. Goodwyn-Sandys was just taking his first stroke with the razor,
when the creaking of the garden gate caused him to glance out of
window. The effect of this was to make him cut his cheek; whereupon
he both bled and swore simultaneously and profusely.

On the gravel walk stood Admiral Buzza with his three daughters.

Again the great man was in full dress. Behind him in Indian file
advanced Sophia, Jane, Calypso, each in a straight frock of vivid
yellow surmounted by a straw hat of such enormous brim as to lend
them a fearful likeness to three gigantic fungi. As far as the hats
allowed one to see from above, each wore sandal-shoes, and carried a
small green parasol, neatly folded.

At the sight of this regiment of visitors, Mr. Goodwyn-Sandys paused
with razor in air and blood trickling down his chin. The Admiral
marched resolutely up the path and struck three distinct knocks upon
the door.

It was opened by the youth in buttons.

The Admiral produced a sheaf of visiting cards and handed them to the
page, as if inviting him to select one, note it carefully, and