The Substitute Millionaire — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The Substitute Millionaire
John Stuart Mill · en
"But I must impress upon you that my work here with false hair and
pigments is only the beginning. To be successful our character must be
constructed from the inside out. Before you leave here I will write
out a description of the character as I see it, which I will ask you to
study at your leisure. I particularly recommend that you repeat it to
yourself just before falling asleep at night. It is the surest way of
impressing it on your subconsciousness."
"Fine!" said Jack, more and more taken with the philosophic wig-maker.
Evers began to lay out the implements of his trade. While he worked he
talked uninterruptedly.
"I assure you one's subconsciousness is all-important. Most people,
unknown to themselves, play an assumed part throughout their lives, a
part that has been suggested to the subconsciousness in early life by
something they admire in other people or in books. When some great
disturbance brings the real self to light people are amazed at what
they discover in themselves.--Remove your coat, waistcoat and collar,
please."
"Make it simple, please," said Jack. "Something that I can put off and
on myself at need."
"The best art is always simple," said Mr. Evers. "First a wash for the
entire face and neck. It is very thin and contains no grease to betray
you in the sunlight. Its purpose is merely to dim the youthful glow of
health that distinguishes you. See! You look fifteen years older
already! A slightly darker tone under the eyes gives you a sedentary,
slightly bilious look. Next heavy eyebrows, which with round
spectacles will give you an owlish expression. Also a stiff, closely
cropped mustache. You put on eyebrows and mustache with loose hair and
glue which I will furnish you. Comb them out and clip them to the
desired length after they are stuck on. The ready-made articles never
look natural. You may depend upon the glue. It is my own invention.
No amount of heat nor perspiration, nor soap and water can affect it,
but it melts at a touch of alcohol. Lastly, pomade your hair
liberally, and slick it down hard. See, it makes your hair look thin,
and alters the whole shape of your head. There you are!"
"Wonderful!" said Jack, gazing at his strangely altered aspect.