the bed was turned for the night , and a short and thin silk womans gown was neatly folded at the foot of the bed . old age has hardened me , '' i say , trying to keep a straight face . i will choose when it will come and how it will come and it will be many years from now . just in case she did n't come back . he paused for a moment then spoke again , may the sun shine warm upon your face . 