"I see no change in you," is a lie ready to the lips which would speak some pleasing thing, but it does not quite convince.

Men are naturally brutal, and use no compliments to one another; on the contrary, they do not hesitate to make a joke of wrinkles and grey hairs--their own and yours.

"But, oh, the difference" when the familiar face, no longer familiar as of old, is a woman's! This is no light thing to her, and her eyes, being preternaturally keen in such matters, see not only the change in you, but what is infinitely sadder, the changed reflection of herself.

Your eyes have revealed the shock you have experienced.

You cannot hide it; her heart is stabbed with a sudden pain, and she is filled with shame and confusion; and the pain is but greater if her life has glided smoothly--if she cannot appeal to your compassion, finding a melancholy relief in that saddest cry:-- O Grief has changed me since you saw me last! For not grief, nor sickness, nor want, nor care, nor any misery or calamity which men fear, is her chief enemy.