“I won’t say it wasn’t,” said Hubert. “First, because it was the forty-second covert we had drawn, and, secondly, because the best is good enough for me. When I’ve been offered a peach, you can bury the cooking apples under the lilacs. But that’s neither here nor there. Bed me down where you like, my dear, and I’ll be all grateful.” “Let me congratulate you,” said Julia, “upon your sleight of tongue. Of course, it’s been done before. ‘And whispering “I will ne’er _dis_sent”—_dis_sented.’ Still, the way in which your preference for Hill Street worms its way out of every protest you make is rather precious. Never mind. I’ll try and ignore it.” Lazily she selected a cigarette. “I think if we painted those pale doors black . . . and the ceilings. . . .” “And the walls,” said Hubert. “Don’t forget the walls.” Miss Willow frowned. Then— “It would be very effective,” she continued, crossing her legs. “One moment,” said her swain. “Are you being serious?” “Why not?” said Miss Willow. “Black is most decorative.” “It’s damned suggestive,” said Hubert. “Fancy shaving in a black bathroom. You couldn’t help cutting yourself, could you?” “I really don’t know,” said Julia. “But if you did—well, the sponge would be within reach, wouldn’t it?” She paused to light her cigarette. “I repeat that, properly done in black, that flat would be most effective.” “All right,” said Challenger. “I don’t care. Have it black outside, too, if you like. That might tempt them to let us change the name—4, Coroner’s Court, ’d sound very well. Telegraphic address, Morgue.” Julia waved her cigarette. “You see?” she said silkily. “Of course it may be coincidence, but I’ve only to mention a flat which isn’t in Hill Street for you to perceive insuperable objections to our tenancy.” “My dear,” said Hubert, “you’re talking through your switch. If you had suggested putting Hill Street in black, I should have been still more emphatic. Then it would have been sacrilege as well.” “As well as what?” said Miss Willow. “Nihilism,” said Hubert, and closed his eyes. There was an indignant silence. The two were to be married within the month. The news of their engagement had been received with general satisfaction, for, while there were many young men in love with Julia and many maidens who could have done with Hubert, both were so popular that such as had lost the race felt that they had been beaten by a better horse.