"I got the lye and stuff," her husband defended himself. "And what did you want sachet-powder for, anyway?"
But Martha was silent.
After supper William strolled over to Dr. Lavendar's, and sat smoking stolidly for an hour before he unbosomed himself. Dr. Lavendar did not notice his uncommunicativeness; he had his own preoccupations.
"William, Benjamin Wright seems to be a good deal shaken this spring?"
Silence.
"He's allowed himself to grow old. Bad habit."
Silence.
"Got out of the way of doing things. Hasn't walked down the hill and back for three years. He told me so himself."
"Indeed, sir?"
"For my part," Dr. Lavendar declared, "I have made a rule about such things, which I commend to you, young man: As soon as you feel too old to do a thing, DO IT!"