What Did He Mean by That?

Well, Dick Roraback has me stumped (“New Quilter Sews Up Great American Contest,” April 24). As a young analyst, I like to think my analytical skills and reasoning abilities are above average, but just exactly what it means (to say that Monica Calvert is) “about as good-looking as you can get and still be 47” is beyond my grasp.

Is he implying that a woman of 47 years is consequently unattractive and that by keeping herself “trim” she is making a valiant effort at preserving whatever attractiveness she may still possess? Perhaps he intended the remark as a compliment? My, wasn’t that big of him--given that she can only expect to look merely acceptable as the result of her age, she has somehow found the courage to go on living--and to take the risk of being interviewed by narrow-minded individuals.

SHARYNE L. BLIXT

Santa Monica