Leonetta felt her ears beginning to burn furiously. Her mother could be terrible.
"Yes, you see now," continued the widow, "how worrying and how difficult are the means which I have to use to make myself presentable. Age is a tiresome thing, is it not? It is so much more simple when one is young."
The invincible "Warrior" smiled kindly, and saw that tears were gathering in her daughter's eyes.
"Would you perhaps like me to go through these things with you, and explain them to you one by one?" she continued. "I have had to learn it all myself. I might save you a good many pitfalls in the remote future."
Leonetta's throat was dry, and her lips were parched.
"No, thank you," she replied hoarsely, and she made quickly towards the door.
"You have not told me what you wanted to say," said her mother playfully.
"I'll tell you later on," rejoined the girl in broken tones.
"Then will you please ring for Wilmott?" said Mrs. Delarayne, turning calmly to face her mirror again.