We have long passed the Victorian Era when asterisks were followed after a certain interval by a baby.
More from William Somerset Maugham
She had a pretty gift for quotation, which is a serviceable substitute for wit:
Permalink to quote #8 You know that the Tasmanians, who never committed adultery, are now extinct.
Permalink to quote #10 It was such a lovely day I thought it was a pity to get up.
Permalink to quote #7