Diamond Rings

What did you talk about? I asked.

Oh, many things, said Pliny. Arthritis, diamond rings, dogs that urinate on carpets. Your mother is a lovely woman.

She is indeed, I agreed.

How old is she? he asked, carelessly.

Eighty three.

Oh, he said.

Why Pliny, I said, are you lonely?

Oh no, he said quickly. Is she?

Oh no, I said.