"Dorothy, your vision endures in this new century because although shaped in another era, it is coherent, intensely original. Look at the Hilary. The way you distill contemporary experience."

When he was in his early teens My brother's life revolved around playing tennis. He played very well, but his backhand was weak. And so for hours one summer he hit backhands against the faded green backboard behind the high school gym. Hitting the ball against the wall with a backhand. Returning the ball with another backhand. And so on. By the end of the summer, his backhand was his best stroke.

"I'm sorry," I said. "Like many artists I look intently at people. It is disconcerting. People move away from you on the bus."

Joy smiled, and so did I.