Чужак в чужой стране

           ButshelovedAuntPattyforwhatshewas,notthewayshelooked–and,ofcourse,itdidgiveherasteadylivingatleastuntilshegotsooldandhaggardthatthemarkswouldn’tpaytolookatherevenifallthosepictureshadbeensignedbyRembrandt.ShehopedthatPattywastuckingawayplentyinthegrouchbagthensherememberedthatAuntPattywasnowoneofMike’swaterbrothers(andherown,ofcourse)andMike’sendlessfortunegavePattycertainold-ageinsurance;Jillfeltwarmedbyit.

           "Well?"repeatedMrs.Paiwonski."Whatdoyousee?HowoldamI,Michael?"

           "Idon’tknow,"hesaidsimply.

           "Guess."

           "Ican’tguess,Pat."

           "Oh,goahead.Youwon’thurtmyfeelings."

           "Patty,"Jillputin,"hereallydoesmeanthathecan’tguess.Hehasn’thadmuchchancetolearntojudgeages–youknowhowshortatimehe’sbeenonEarth.Andbesidesthat,MikethinksofthingsinMartianyearsandMartianarithmetic.Ifit’stimeorfigures,Ikeeptrackofitforhim."

           "Well?youguess,hon.Betruthful."

           JilllookedPattyoveragain,notinghertrimfigurebutalsonotingherhandsandthroatandthecornersofhereyes–thendiscountedherguessbyfiveyearsdespitetheMartianhonestysheowedawaterbrother."Mmm,thirtyish,giveortakeayear."

           Mrs.Paiwonskilaughedtriumphantly."That’sjustonebonusfromtheTrueFaith,mydears!Jillhon,I’m‘wayintomyforties.Justhowfarinwewon’tsay;I’vequitcounting."

           "Youcertainlydon’tlookit."

           "IknowIdon’t.