“And at the most inappropriate moment it will turn back, won‘t it? Do you think I‘m a fool? Keep your enchantments to yourself. ” The sphinx returned her attention to the problem at hand, eyeing the offered outfits critically. None of them were perfect, but then, few things were.

Finally the sphinx reached a decision and picked up one of the dresses. “I’ll take this one. And that other one, too", she added, nodding towards a jacket. "Now, where’s the jewellery?”