“Ah,” said Grandmama, “that’s been my philosophy for ten years ... only ten years.  You’ve no business with it at your age, child.”

“Age,” returned Pamela, negligent and cool, “has extremely little to do with anything that matters.  The difference between one age and another is, as a rule, enormously exaggerated.  How many years we’ve lived on this ridiculous planet—­how many more we’re going to live on it—­what a trifle!  Age is a matter of exceedingly little importance.”

“And so, you would imply, is everything else on the ridiculous planet,” said Grandmama, shrewdly.  Pamela smiled, neither affirming nor denying.  Lightly the key seemed to swing from her open hand.

“I certainly don’t see quite what all the fuss is about,” said Pamela.