A funny story? And just what do you think your Papa knows about what is and isn’t funny? Perhaps you’ve noticed, little Lily, that hardly an hour goes by in which I do not find something at which to laugh.

It has ever been thus, with me. For one thing, it would seem I’m easily amused; almost every little thing seems to tickle me, as surely as a light, fiddling touch ‘round the ribs. There are times, however, when nothing strikes me as particularly funny at all or, quite the contrary, strikes me as simply maddening. And yet will I laugh – sometimes the laughter all that stands between me and an unhealthful fury.

Oh, yes, I’ve been known to laugh when angry. And to chuckle when sad. And when nervous, or discouraged, or embarrassed – oh, goodness, espe...

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