He had not learned to, and he had seen death, and watched it; but for himself he had not learned to believe in it.

When one turns forty it is easier to credit it.
Thinking of death, impersonally, he sat watching the flames playing above the heavy log; and as he lay there in his chair, the unlighted pipe drooping in his hands, the telephone on the desk rang, and he rose and unhooked the receiver.
Drina's voice sounded afar, and: "Hello, sweetheart!" he said gaily; "is there anything I can do for your youthful highness ?" "I've been talking over the 'phone to Boots," she said.

"You know, whenever I have nothing to do I call up Boots at his office and talk to him." "That must please him," suggested Selwyn gravely.
"It does.

Boots says you are not going to business to-day.

So I thought I'd call you up." "Thank you," said Selwyn.
"You are welcome.