"Tristam," the old man said softly. "If I may be completely candid, you are the poorest liar. Lack of experience, no doubt—which is to your credit." - Sean Russell

Tristam stood and raised his glass. “May life be kind, and friends loyal. Ventures profitable, children plentiful, and age like a slow turning of the leaves in autumn; grand, beautiful and tranquil.”

Not only had he become adept at predicting the behavior of others, but he could predict his own behavior just as well. He no longer surprised himself. It was one of the saddest things about aging.

Experience taught him that the future was uncertain and one could prepare for it only by learning indifference to disappointment and loss.