The right old age means strength and beauty and mirth and courage and clear eyes and strong painless limbs.

I am older than you are able to think, and--' 'And look at you, grandmother!' cried Irene, jumping up and flinging her arms about her neck.

'I won't be so silly again, I promise you.
At least--I'm rather afraid to promise--but if I am, I promise to be sorry for it--I do.

I wish I were as old as you, grandmother.

I don't think you are ever afraid of anything.' 'Not for long, at least, my child.