You will feel greatly refreshed." She accepted his suggestion without enthusiasm and with very little show of pleasure.

They found a table on the terrace in a retired corner, surrounded with flowering cactus plants and drooping mimosa, and overhung by a giant oleander tree.

He talked to her easily but in gossiping fashion only, and always with the greatest respect.

It was not until the arrival of their coffee that he ventured to become at all personal.
"Will you forgive me if I talk without reserve for a few moments ?" he began, leaning a little towards her.

"You have your troubles, I know.
May I not remind you that you are not alone in your sorrows?
Linda, as you know, has no companionship whatever to offer.