'A glass?
For Christmas?
Surely not ?' 'And why not ?' cried the dealer.

'Why not a glass ?' Markheim was looking upon him with an indefinable expression.

'You ask me why not ?' he said.

'Why, look here--look in it--look at yourself! Do you like to see it?
No! nor I--nor any man.' The little man had jumped back when Markheim had so suddenly confronted him with the mirror; but now, perceiving there was nothing worse on hand, he chuckled.

'Your future lady, sir, must be pretty hard favoured,' said he.
'I ask you,' said Markheim, 'for a Christmas present, and you give me this--this damned reminder of years, and sins and follies--this hand-conscience! Did you mean it?
Had you a thought in your mind?
Tell me.