"A close scrutiny will reveal that my hair, once a rich mud colour, is now flecked with grey."
"I should attribute that to the march of Time."
I shook my head.
"The responsibility," I said, "rests with the United States of America. Seriously, I missed you terribly."
"That," said Adèle, "I refuse to believe. If you had, you would have paid us a visit."
"I was not invited."
Adèle shrugged her shoulders.
"Any old way," she announced, "I'm here now. And, while we're on the subject of hair, please remember that since you last saw me, I've put mine up."
"Which means?"
"That I am a dangerous woman of the world, who gives nothing and takes everything—with a grain of salt. I warn you, I've changed."