We should add only that the twenty-four managing directors of the Lamberto Banks, once they returned to their home offices, hastened to hire people, men and women, and pay them to take shifts repeating their highly revered names, day and night. They hoped that this would allow them to recover from their illnesses and turn back time’s clock. In vain. Those who had rheumatism were obliged to keep their rheumatism. Those who were bald saw not a hair sprouting from their scalps, neither blond nor brunette. Those who had turned sixty-five did not recover a single minute of their youth. Certain things happen only once. And to tell the truth, certain things can happen only in fairy tales.
Not everyone will be satisfied with the way this story ended. Among other things, no one knows exactly what becomes of Lamberto and what he does when he grows up. There is, however, no remedy for that. Readers who are dissatisfied with the ending are free to change it to suit themselves, adding a chapter or two to this book. Or even thirteen. Never allow yourself to be frightened by the words:
THE END.
Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto Page 11
