To the eye they retain the semblance of other beings; but try them by touch, that is by contact with people, with events outside their groove, and they are stone,--agatized men and women.

Carry them where you please, after they have reached middle or old age, and they will not change.

There is no magic water, a drop of which will restore to them the vitality and pliability of their youth.

They last well, such people,--as well, almost, as agatized wood on museum shelves; and the most you can do for them is to keep them well dusted.
Old Mrs.Carr belonged, in a degree, to this order of persons.

Only the coming of Mercy's young life into the feeble current of her own had saved it from entire stagnation.