The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

32 2 The Highland Monthly.
you ? My dear sir, your conduct is very inconsistent. You
have chosen the profession of making your fellow-men
healthy, and here you are—what ?— a semi-recluse, pale as
a ghost—by the way, my grandfather once saw one, and
it was black—ignoring the very wisdom which it will be
your duty to instil into others. In truth, David, I purposed
speaking to you seriously in this matter. As has been
more than once observed to me lately, and, mark, I don't
half like it, you look positively ill."
" Nonsense, father ; you know I wish to finish with
honours, and that study does not tend to improve the com-
plexion. I am, however, quite well. \es, I assure you of
that. In a few weeks I will take a complete holiday, so as
to reach Edinburgh fresh and vigorous and fit for any
amount of hard work. What," he exclaimed with affected
surprise, evidently desirous of changing the topic, "are you
actually putting your papers in order—surely a sign that
age has indeed gripped, as you put it, when the mind begins
to revel in the past, particularly in the documental past."
"This is my 65th birthday—five years more, sonny, and
the alloted span will have been reached and passed."
" It does not follow that you are old ; nor do )^ou look
it, father. You are hale, hearty, and vigorous."
" Go on and complete the colloquialism, 'for your age.'
Ha, ha, my boy."
" Allow me to remark, as a student, if rot from experi-
ence, that age is a relative term, relative to physical
conditions. Subjectively age should never be admitted.
It is an enfeebling admission. Spinsters are wise in their
little conceit of pretending to be young, and living up to the
notion—that's it. They become convinced that the
registrar may be wrong, and so prolong their lives by this
innocent imposition of youth. Age is a disease ; cure,
ignore it."
" You mean that some people become afraid of age, and
succumb to its imaginary effects."
" Precisely,"