Rosa never dreamed that rain-water and rub could be the cause of her
looking so well.

"It is my tiresome husband," said she. "He objects to powder, and he has
taken away my puff."

"And you stood that?"

"Obliged to."

"Why, you poor-spirited little creature, I should like to see a husband
presume to interfere with me in those things. Here, take mine."

Rosa hesitated a little. "Well--no--I think not."

Miss Lucas laughed at her, and quizzed her so on her allowing a man to
interfere in such sacred things as dress and cosmetics, that she came
back irritated with her husband, and gave him a short answer or two.
Then he asked what was the matter.

"You treat me like a child--taking away my very puff."

"I treat you like a beautiful flower, that no bad gardener shall wither
whilst I am here."

"What nonsense! How could that wither me? It is only violet powder--what
they put on babies."

"And who are the Herods that put it on babies?"