At that point the housekeeper's lavender-colored
dress, the umbrella, and the feeble little figure in nankeen walking
under it, became visible in the distance. The captain slackened his pace
immediately, and issued his directions to Magdalen for her conduct at
the coming interview in these words:
"Don't forget your smile," he said. "In all other respects you will do.
The walk has improved your complexion, and the hat becomes you. Look
Mrs. Lecount steadily in the face; show no embarrassment when you speak;
and if Mr. Noel Vanstone pays you pointed attention, don't take too much
notice of him while his housekeeper's eye is on you. Mind one thing!
I have been at Joyce's Scientific Dialogues all the morning; and I am
quite serious in meaning to give Mrs. Lecount the full benefit of my
studies. If I can't contrive to divert her attention from you and her
master, I won't give sixpence for our chance of success. Small-talk
won't succeed with that woman; compliments won't succeed; jokes won't
succeed--ready-made science may recall the deceased professor, and
ready-made science may do. We must establish a code of signals to let
you know what I am about.
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