"
"Yet you look vigorous and alert; not like the men I've seen come
back from the hot countries, all languid and worn out. And you do
look clean."
"Why shouldn't I be clean?"
"Of course you should. But people get slack, don't they, when they
live off all alone by themselves? Still, I suppose you spruced up
a little for me?"
"Nothing of the sort," he denied, with heat.
"No? Oh, my poor little vanity! He wouldn't dress up for us,
Vanity, though we did dress up for him, and we're looking awfully
nice--for a voice, that is. Do you always keep so soft and pink
and smooth, Mr. Beetle Man?"
"I own a razor, if that's what you mean. You're making fun of me.
Well, _I_ don't mind." He lifted his voice and chanted:--
"Although beyond the pale of law,
He always kept a polished jaw;
For he was one of those who saw
A saving hope
In shaving soap."
"Oh, lovely! What a noble finish. What is it?"
"Extract from 'Biographical Blurbings.'"
"Autobiographical?"
"Yes. By Me."
"And are you beyond the pale of law?"
"Poetical license," he explained airily.
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