The news reached the ears of Dame Toelast. The same evening saw her seated in the inglenook opposite Nicholas Snyders, who smoked and seemed bored.
“You are making a fool of yourself, Nicholas Snyders,” the Dame told him. “Everybody is laughing at you.”
“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—”