The clergyman, foolishly resisting a natural impulse to admire her, felt like St.Anthony struggling with the fascination of a disguised devil.
He responded to her smile of welcome by a stiff bow.
"Sit down," she said.

"You mustnt mind this absurd dress: it belongs to a new piece I am studying.

I always study in character.

It is the only way to identify myself with my part, you see." "It seems a very magnificent dress, certainly," said the clergyman, nervously.
"Thank you for the compliment----" "No, no," said he, hastily.

"I had no such intention." "Of course not," said Susanna, with a laugh.