But I should not complain--it is a weakness common to age." "You do not seem to be old," she said, thoughtfully.

With a woman's quick eye she had noted, I suppose, the unwrinkled smoothness of my skin, which no disguise could alter.

But I exclaimed with affected surprise: "Not old! With these white hairs!" "Many young men have them," she said.

"At any rate, they often accompany middle age, or what is called the prime of life.

And really, in your case, they are very becoming!" And with a courteous gesture of farewell she moved to leave the room.
Both Ferrari and myself hastened to escort her downstairs to her carriage, which stood in waiting at the door--the very carriage and pair of chestnut ponies which I myself had given her as a birthday present.