"I had rather they laughed than cursed me," growled Nicholas.

"Have you forgotten all that has passed between us?" demanded the
Dame.

"Wish I could," sighed Nicholas.

"At your age--" commenced the Dame.

"I am feeling younger than I ever felt in all my life," Nicholas
interrupted her.

"You don't look it," commented the Dame.

"What do looks matter?" snapped Nicholas. "It is the soul of a man
that is the real man."

"They count for something, as the world goes," explained the Dame.
"Why, if I liked to follow your example and make a fool of myself,
there are young men, fine young men, handsome young men--"

"Don't let me stand in your way," interposed Nicholas quickly. "As
you say, I am old and I have a devil of a temper. There must be many
better men than I am, men more worthy of you."

"I don't say there are not," returned the Dame: "but nobody more
suitable. Girls for boys, and old women for old men. I haven't lost
my wits, Nicholas Snyders, if you have. When you are yourself
again--"