"We shall esteem it a great favour if you will graciously try the enclosed sample. We do not ask for testimonials, but any expression of appreciation from one who figured so admirably as Queen of the Roses at the Barrfield Pageant would be to us a source of immense gratification.
"May we recommend that the preparation be applied immediately after breakfast, as its ingredients are more potent to the delicate pores of the skin if used at that period of the morning.
"With apologies for troubling you, and hoping you will condescend to give our Eau de Venus at least a trial,
"We remain,
"Faithfully yours,
"Renan, Mariette, et Cie,
Parfumeurs."
"How very peculiar!" gasped Beth, much impressed.
"It must be because they saw my photo in the papers," said Stephanie. She was trying to speak casually, and not to appear too flattered, but her eyes shone. "I believe that pageant made rather a sensation, and of course, well, I was the principal figure in it. I suppose I shall have to try this Eau de Venus."
"It's in a funny little bottle," commented Beth.
"Samples generally are. They never send you very much of a thing. They want you to buy a big bottle afterwards."
Stephanie carefully removed the cork. The preparation seemed to be of a pink, milky description.
"It smells of violets," she said, offering the bottle for Beth to sniff.