"This is quite a surprise, Mrs. Smithers. A capital photograph! May I
ask how many copies my husband ordered?"

"I'm not aware, ma'am, that the Admiral has ordered any as yet; though I
heard Smithers say only this morning as he hoped he'd be pleased with
it."

"I think I can answer for that, although he _is_ particular. But I
happen to know he disapproves of these things being exposed in the
window. I'll take this copy home with me, if I may. Has your husband
printed any more?"

"Well no, ma'am. There was one other copy; but Lady Felix-Williams
happened to be passing just now, and spied it, and nothing would do but
she must take it away with her."

"Lady Felix-Williams?" Mrs. Trewbody stiffened with sudden distrust.
"Now, what would Lady Felix-Williams want with this?"

"I'm sure I can't tell you, ma'am: but she was delighted. 'A capital
likeness,' she said; 'I've never seen a photograph before that caught
just that expression of his.'"

"I should very much like to know what _she_ has to do with his
expression," Mrs. Trewbody murmured to herself, between wonder and
incipient alarm. But she concealed her feelings, good lady; and, having
paid for her purchase, carried it home in her muff and stuck it upright
against one of the Sevres candlesticks on her boudoir mantel-shelf.