There are many
consolations in history for people over forty! Remember that
when you get there.
"Shakespeare wrote `King Lear' at forty-one," he added, more
humorously; and then burst out laughing. "I'd like to edit
a series of `Chloroform Classics,' to include only books
written after forty. Who was that doctor man who recommended
anaesthetics for us at that age? Now isn't that just like a
medico? Nurse us through the diseases of childhood, and as
soon as we settle down into permanent good health and worldly
wisdom, and freedom from doctors' fees, why he loses interest
in us! Jove! I must note that down and bring it into my book."
He pulled out a memorandum book and jotted down "Chloroform
Classics" in a small, neat hand.
"Well," I said (I felt a little contrite, as I was sincerely
sorry to have offended him), "I've passed forty myself in some
measurements, so youth no longer has any terrors for me."
He looked at me rather comically.
"My dear madam," he said, "your age is precisely eighteen. I
think that if we escape the clutches of the Sage of Redfield
you may really begin to live."
"Oh, Andrew's not a bad sort," I said. "He's absentminded,
and hot tempered, and a little selfish.
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