Загадочная история Бенджамина Баттона

           "Andhurry."

           "I’mhurrying,father."

           WhenhissonwasdressedMr.Buttonregardedhimwithdepression.Thecostumeconsistedofdottedsocks,pinkpants,andabeltedblousewithawidewhitecollar.Overthelatterwavedthelongwhitishbeard,droopingalmosttothewaist.Theeffectwasnotgood.

           "Wait!"

           Mr.Buttonseizedahospitalshearsandwiththreequicksnapsamputatedalargesectionofthebeard.Butevenwiththisimprovementtheensemblefellfarshortofperfection.Theremainingbrushofscragglyhair,thewateryeyes,theancientteeth,seemedoddlyoutoftonewiththegaietyofthecostume.Mr.Button,however,wasobdurate—heheldouthishand."Comealong!"hesaidsternly.

           Hissontookthehandtrustingly."Whatareyougoingtocallme,dad?"hequaveredastheywalkedfromthenursery—"just‘baby’forawhile?tillyouthinkofabettername?"

           Mr.Buttongrunted."Idon’tknow,"heansweredharshly."Ithinkwe’llcallyouMethuselah."