Saki

“ Reginald recalled the lilies of the field, “which simply sat and looked beautiful, and defied competition.”
“But that is not an example for us to follow,” gasped Amabel.
“Unfortunately, we can’t afford to. You don’t know what a world of trouble I take in trying to rival the lilies in their artistic simplicity.”
“You are really indecently vain of your appearance. A good life is infinitely preferable to good looks.”
“You agree with me that the two are incompatible. I always say beauty is only sin deep.”
Amabel began to realise that the battle is not always to the strong-minded. ”

“ Reginald entered on the strenuous life alone, as far as Amabel was concerned. The most virtuous women are not proof against damp grass, and Amabel kept her bed with a cold. Reginald called it a dispensation ”

“ Also she had been twice to Fécamp to pick up a good French accent from the Americans staying there; consequently she had a knowledge of the world which might be considered useful in dealings with a worldling. ”