The fountain pen is still a very attractive and practical object, even in these days of cheap, {{U}}(81) {{/U}} (dispose) ball-point and felt-tip pens. Few owners are {{U}}(82) {{/U}} (differ) to it. Emotions range from a casual attraction to absolute passion. However, though the reasons for such profound {{U}}(83) {{/U}} (attach) to the pen are many, the way people feel is {{U}}(84) {{/U}} (universe).
What exactly is it then about this small cylindrical object that provokes such {{U}}(85) {{/U}} (intense) of feeling? The most likely answer to this question is that {{U}}(86) {{/U}} (base) the fountain pen is far more than a mere writing instrument. It is often seen as an {{U}}(87) {{/U}} (assert) of the owner's social standing. For some, the ornamentation is where its undoubted {{U}} (88) {{/U}} (attract) lies. It can be adorned with gold, with diamonds or inlaid with floral or geometric designs.
A fountain pen should only be loaned out in {{U}}(89) {{/U}} (except) circumstances, since in no time at all it will be altered by the second user' s hand. This is one of the {{U}}(90) {{/U}} (distinct) characteristics of the instrument, which makes each one unique and personal to its owner.