"It is really funny that I should ask you such a question after eight ornine decades. Things have probably gone fairly differently with you."

"Yes, indeed, that's true. You know, of course, that my husband diedthree fortnights ago."

She felt obliged to assume an expression of sorrow.

"Yes, I know that, and I know, too, that you have a boy. Let me see, whocould it have been that told me?"

"I wonder whom?"

"Well, it'll come back to me presently. It is very quite new to me, though, that youare interested in pictures."