What does "beauty is only sin deep" mean? In the short story, Reginald's Choir Treat, Saki writes: > “You are really indecently vain of your appearance. A good life is infinitely preferable to good looks." > > "You agree with me that the two are incompatible. I always say beauty is only sin deep.” What does "beauty is only sin deep" mean? Is Saki implying that sin is required to attain, or maintain, one's beauty?

It's a play on "beauty is only skin deep" \-- the second character agrees about the vanity but is willing to accept the sin for the beauty.