"So this is Nobby," said Adèle.
I uncovered and nodded.
"And he had a bath this morning, so as to be all nice and clean when Miss Feste arrived. I did, too."
"How reckless!" said Adèle. "You look very well on it."
"Thank you," said I, shaking hands. "And you look glorious. Hullo! You've let your hair grow. I am glad."
"Think it's an improvement?"
"If possible."
The well-marked eyebrows went up, the bright brown eyes regarded me quizzically, the faint familiar smile hung maddeningly on the red lips.
"Polite as ever," she flashed.
"Put it down to the bath," said I. "Cleanliness is next to—er—devotion."