As the lift shot away from me I saw that her eyes were full of tears.
I made my way back to the cafe.

It was now almost deserted.

All but one or two very late diners had gone, and the tables were being prepared for supper.

Louis, however, was still there, sitting at the desk by the side of the cashier, and apparently making calculations.
He came forward when he saw me enter, and we met by chance just as one of the under-managers of the hotel passed by.
"What can I do for you this evening, Captain Rotherby ?" he asked, with his usual bow.

"A table for supper, perhaps ?" "I want some coffee," I asked.