"They can't give me a guarantee. You see, three of my ancestors died from accidents. The prediction of ninety years is based on the assumption that they would have lived a normal life-time." "They make few guarantees. You know, all of you men are such babies at a time like this." "Yes, but if it _is_ eighty--then, I'll come out not a rejuvenated man, but just a handful of dust." "Oh, that can't happen." * * * * * "Look at it this way." He paused a moment while taking in her youthful appearance. "From now on I wouldn't look much older. Just a little grayer and perhaps more stooped. Then, I'll have what's left of my longevity plus the five years this rejuvenation would clip off." "Why, Howard, dear." Leah sounded shocked. "You don't know what you're talking about. An aunt of mine elected that choice and it was perfectly horrible. She drooled the last few years of her life and was helpless as a baby." "Why didn't they use Euthanasia?" he asked. "The courts decided she wasn't capable of making a rational decision." He wiped his forehead. "That would be a long time off, darling. We'd have so much time together in the next fifteen years." "But what would it be like if you were crippled with arthritis or some other disease?" "You could divorce me if that happens." "I can also divorce you if you don't go through with rejuvenation. You know it's the law." "You wouldn't do that." His face was more lined than ever. "Don't be silly, dear. Nobody gets old these days. Who would remain our friends? Why, everywhere we'd go, people would point us out. Oh, no, life wouldn't be livable." "That sounds like a cruel and calculating decision to me," Howard said. "Either I take a chance on dying or you'll divorce me." "You have no right to make such an accusation. I married a young man who said he was thirty years old. Six months later I discover he's sixty-five. Now who's cruel and calculating?" "Please, darling, I didn't mean it. Look," he pleaded, "I'll even sign permission for you to have a lover. There's that young fellow that's always around. Maybe it's happened already." She stood back from him. "Howard, you're being perfectly nasty. Just like an aged person you read about." "Five million dollars, and all of it yours when I die a natural death." He put his hands in his pockets. * * * * * The street door opened just then and a young man came toward them with a light springy step. He offered his hand to Howard who took it slowly. "How are you, skipper? And you, Leah? I came as soon as I got your message." "He's worried, Mike." Leah's face had brightened. "And now he's insisting on growing old." "I've been through the wringer twice before, you see," Howard said in a low voice. "I don't think you have much to worry about," Mike said. "Those medics know their business."