I saw, in the glass, my skin take a false fairness, my cheeks a false color, my eyes a false brightness--and I never shrank from it.

No! I let the odious conceit go on; I even admired the extraordinary delicacy and dexterity with which it was all done.

"Anything" (I thought to myself, in the madness of that miserable time) "so long as it helps me to win the Major's confidence! Anything, so long as I discover what those last words of my husband's really mean!" The transformation of my face was accomplished.

The chambermaid pointed with her wicked forefinger in the direction of the glass.
"Bear in mind, ma'am, what you looked like when you sent for me," she said.

"And just see for yourself how you look now.