"But his sympathy and understanding! Remarkable! . . . Old people are usually so narrow-minded and crotchety . . . so selfish."
"Ah! He's the exception!" I said with enthusiasm.
"What's his age?"
"Ninety-six next week."
"You don't say so! Most astounding!"
"You've only seen him at his quietest, doctor."
I hesitated a moment; and then family pride carried me away a little.
"Normally," I said, "he is all energy and go. He could eat, drink and smoke me under the table any day; and as a companion for Molly he's—unapproachable. Motor-scooting, tree-climbing, running and jumping. . . . That big walnut tree down the garden is one of his favorite spots. He and Molly have a sort of seat, made of twisted boughs. He's often up there reading. A wonderful climber!"
"Impossible at his age!"
"You must drop in some day and see for yourself."