VII.
CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE.
"Dear me!" cried Mrs. Royden, as the clergyman declined tasting the pie Hepsy brought on as a dessert, "you haven't eaten anything at all! You'd better try a small piece?"
The old man thanked her kindly, adding that he had eaten very heartily.
"I am afraid you will not be able to get through the forenoon," she replied.
"Nay, don't tempt me," he said playfully, as she insisted on the pie. "My constitution was never strong; and, with my sedentary habits, I should never have reached the age of seventy-two, if I had not early learned to control my appetites. It is better to go hungry from a loaded table, than run the risk of an indigestion."
"Are you seventy-two?" asked Mr. Royden, in a sad tone.
"The twelfth day of October next is my seventy-second birthday," replied the old man, cheerfully. "Don't you think I have lasted pretty well?"
"Is it possible that you are twenty-eight years older than I?" exclaimed the other.
"Do I not look as old?"