Stephen de Lisle's second letter, eagerly looked for by Madame Claire, came the following week.
"Dear Claire,
"Thank God for your letter. It's put new life into me; and I assure you, I needed it. Of course it's all tommyrot what you say about old age. Who wouldn't want to run and jump about again, and be able to digest anything, and sit up late at night? I think this having to be coddled and looked after is an infernal nuisance.
"Yes, I was a fool to take your refusal as I did, but that can't be helped now. You forgive me, and besides, I know well enough the loss was mine. But I couldn't have endured London all these years. Too many people, too much noise, and too much dirt. Still, I may, gout and rheumatism permitting, come to see you and my godson and the grandchildren yet. I'm glad you remembered how fond I was of that child Judy. Most attractive child I ever saw. Twenty-seven, you say? It doesn't seem possible. Don't let her get married in a hurry. She is perfectly right