"I remember well." He is evidently intensely puzzled by my manner, which is cordial to the last degree.
"How long ago it seems now! does it not."
"Very long."
I am not progressing; I feel this, and pause for a moment.
"You are dressed for dinner," I remark, presently "So early?"
"Not to very early; It is half-past six."
"Indeed! how the time has flown I Well, let me add this to your appearance to make you perfect." I detach a little red rose-bud from the bosom of my dress, and place it with lingering carefulness in his coat. I believe as I do it he imagines I have developed the crowning phase of my malady, by going mad. "'Duke," with perfect unconcern, and with my head a little on one side to mark the effect made by my rose—"'Duke, don't you think it is time now I should give up my invalid habits, and learn to change my dress every evening like a civilized being?"
"I think you would be very foolish, Phyllis, to try any changes just yet."
"But don't you think me much better and stronger in every way?"
"Very much better. Your face has gained its old color, and your arms have regained the pretty soft roundness they had when you were—that is—before we were married."