I noticed the words "pure" and "natural" in constant use by my young friend.

Some lines went through my head, but I forbore to quote them:-- Alas I your so called purity Is merely immaturity, And woman's nature plays its part Sincerely but in woman's art.
But I couldn't resist asking him, out of sheer waggery, whether he didn't think a touch of powder, and even, very judiciously applied, a touch of rouge, was an improvement to woman.

His answer went to my heart.
"Paint--a WOMAN!" he exclaimed.
It was as though you had said--paint an angel! I could bear no more of it.

The gulf yawned shiveringly wide at remarks like that; so, with the privilege of an elder, I declared it time for bed, and yawned off to my room.
Next morning we bade good-bye, and went our several ways.

As we parted, he handed me a letter which I was not to open till I was well on my journey.