I had expected to see a stout, elderly woman whom I should only know by the colour of her eyes and her voice, and perhaps certain tricks of manner.

But, this was the mischief of it, I could not perceive any change, at any rate in that light.
She was just the same! Perhaps a little fuller in figure, which was an advantage; perhaps a little more considered in her movements, perhaps a little taller or at any rate more stately, and that was all.
These things I learned in a flash.

Then with a murmured "Mr.Quatermain, my Lady," the footman closed the door and she saw me.
Moving quickly towards me with both her hands outstretched, she exclaimed in that honey-soft voice of hers, "Oh! my dear friend----" stopped and added, "Why, you haven't changed a bit." "Fossils wear well," I replied, "but that is just what I was thinking of you." "Then it is very rude of you to call me a fossil when I am only approaching that stage.

Oh! I am glad to see you.

I _am_ glad!" and she gave me both the outstretched hands.
Upon my word I felt inclined to kiss her and have wondered ever since if she would have been very angry.