Ralph Henry Barbour

“ I murmured, sadly.
"I—I'm comparing!" laughed Myra.
"Mind you," I went on, judicially, "I do not assert that I am handsomer than Livingstone, judged, that is, by the ordinary standards. But I do say that my features are far more interesting, more—er—unusual, unique. In studying my face you are forever meeting with astounding incongruities, constantly finding new surprises. I say, proudly, that my features are far from commonplace; never once do they descend to the plane of mediocre regularity. My nose and mouth are of entirely different 'schools,' if I may use the term in such a connection ”

“ Myra paused in her mad career, long enough to sit perilously on the edge of the bamboo table and swing a very small shoe in a manner that suggested irritation. I relighted my cigar, which had gone out during the excitement, and then faced her, gravely.
"I ask you, Myra, to compare the attractions, the merits, the charms of Brooke Livingstone with mine. Let us go about it systematically. First, as to worldly wealth——"
"Money isn't everything," said Myra, shortly. ”

“ Myra's face expressed annoyance, or so I fancied. I raised a corner of the screen with my cane and looked. Mr. Brooke Livingstone approached. I sighed. The chair was very comfortable, and Myra——
She turned from the screen.
"Hush!" she whispered again.
"Hush!" I repeated. I felt like a conspirator, and seized my cigar-case from the table, resolved to sell my life dearly. Behind us an open window showed the dim recesses of the library. Myra, finger on lips, stepped across the sill. I followed. We laughed softly together in the darkness. A cane tapped the steps outside. ”