I can give no better idea of the disordered and desperate condition of my mind at that time than by owning that I actually consulted this perfect stranger on the question of my personal appearance.

She was a middle-aged woman, with a large experience of the world and its wickedness written legibly on her manner and on her face.
I put money into the woman's hand, enough of it to surprise her.
She thanked me with a cynical smile, evidently placing her own evil interpretation on my motive for bribing her.
"What can I do for you, ma'am ?" she asked, in a confidential whisper.
"Don't speak loud! there is somebody in the next room." "I want to look my best," I said, "and I have sent for you to help me." "I understand, ma'am." "What do you understand ?" She nodded her head significantly, and whispered to me again.

"Lord bless you, I'm used to this!" she said.

"There is a gentleman in the case.

Don't mind me, ma'am.