But fifty-two is a high figure.
Stand in the light of the window, Professor, said I .-- -The Professor took up the desired position .-- You have white hairs, I said .-- Had 'em any time these twenty years, said the Professor.
-- And the crow's-foot,--pes anserinus, rather .-- The Professor smiled, as I wanted him to, and the folds radiated like the ridges of a half-opened fan, from the outer corner of the eyes to the temples.
-- And the calipers said I .-- What are the calipers?
he asked, curiously .-- Why, the parenthesis, said I .-- Parenthesis?
said the Professor; what's that ?--Why, look in the glass when you are disposed to laugh, and see if your mouth isn't framed in a couple of crescent lines,--so, my boy ( ) .-- It's all nonsense, said the Professor; just look at my BICEPS;--and he began pulling off his coat to show me his arm.

Be careful, said I; you can't bear exposure to the air, at your time of life, as you could once .-- I will box with you, said the Professor, row with you, walk with you, ride with you, swim with you, or sit at table with you, for fifty dollars a side .-- Pluck survives stamina, I answered.
The Professor went off a little out of humor.

A few weeks afterwards he came in, looking very good-natured, and brought me a paper, which I have here, and from which I shall read you some portions, if you don't object.

He had been thinking the matter over, he said,--had read Cicero "De Senectute," and made up his mind to meet old age half way.

These were some of his reflections that he had written down; so here you have.
THE PROFESSOR'S PAPER.
There is no doubt when old age begins.