again.

"What is _your_ name?" inquired Annunziata.

"My name is Maria Dolores," the lady answered. "You see, we are both
named Maria."

"Of course," said Annunziata. "All Christians should be named Maria."

"So they should," agreed the lady. "Do you ever tell people how old you
are?"

"Yes," said Annunziata, "if they wish to know. Why not?"

The smile in the lady's eyes shone brighter than ever. "Do you think you
could be persuaded to tell me?"

"With pleasure," said Annunziata. "I am eleven years and five months.
And you?"

"I am just twice as old. I am twenty-two years and ten months. So, when
you are fifty, how old shall I be?"

"No," said Annunziata, shaking her head. "That trick has been tried with
me before. My friend Prospero has tried it with me. You hope I will say
that you will be a hundred. But it is not so. When I am fifty, you will
be sixty-one, going on sixty-two."

Still again the lady laughed, apparently with great amusement.