The door opened. Lawford rose, and into the further rays of the
candlelight entered a rather slim figure in a light summer gown.

'Just home?' said Herbert.

'We've been for a walk--'

'My sister always forgets everything,' said Herbert, turning to
Lawford; 'even tea-time. This is Mr Lawford, Grisel. We've been
arguing no end. And we want you to give a decision. It's just
this: Supposing if by some impossible trick you had come in now,
not the charming familiar sister you are, but shorter, fatter,
fair and round-faced, quite different, physically, you know--what
would you do?'

'What nonsense you talk, Herbert!'

'Yes, but supposing: a complete transmogrification--by some
unimaginable ingression or enchantment, by nibbling a bunch of
roses, or whatever you like to call it?'

'Only physically?'

'Well, yes, actually; but potentially, why--that's another
matter.'

The dark eyes passed slowly from her brother's face and rested
gravely on their visitor's.