He must remain in character and dress the part, but he
had used a consummate skill in doing so. In every detail of clothing
he remained the mountaineer, yet there was no longer any trace of the
slovenly or unclean.
He was close shaven and trim of hair. His flannel shirt, still open on
his throat, was of good quality. The trousers that were thrust into
high laced boots were not so new as to attract undue attention, but
they fitted him. The note of carelessness was maintained--but with
artistry to accentuate the extraordinary effect of physique and
feature. He was eye-filling and rather splendid.
Alexander felt that some recognition of this metamorphosis was expected
of her, but she had no intent of admitting the true force of its
impression.
"Hit's a right smart wonder I knowed ye a-tall, ye've done spruced up
so," was the dubious compliment with which she favored him after a
deliberate scrutiny. "I hain't nuver seed ye with yore face washed
afore."
"I 'lowed I'd seek ter make a killin' with ye," he bantered easily, and
she sniffed her simulated disdain.
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