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’I ht well apply,’ Abel said ’It was kind of you to think of me Why doesn’t your boyfriend apply?’

’Oh, no, he’s far too junior to be considered; he’s only a waiter in the dining rooe places with him

’Shall we have dinner?’he said

’I’azed at the menu in indecision Abel, suddenly aware she still could not read English, ordered for them both

She ate with relish and was full of praise for the indifferent food Abel found her uncritical enthusiasm a tonic after the bored sophistication of Melanie They exchanged the history of their lives in Aressed to being a waitress at the Stevens where she had stayed put for six years Abel told her of all his experiences until finallyshe glanced at his watch

’Look at the time, Wladek,’ she said, ’it’s past eleven and I’m on first breakfast call at six tomorrow!

Abel had not noticed the four hours pass He would have happily sat there talking to her for the rest of the night, soothed by her admiration which she confessed so artlessly

’May I see you again, Zaphia?’ he asked, as they walked back to the Stevens arm - in - arm

’If you want to, Wladek’

They stopped at the servants’ entrance - at the back of the hotel

’This is where I go in,’ she said ’If you were to becoo in by the front entrance’

’Would youme Abel?’he asked her

’Abel?’ she said, as if she were trying the nalove ’But your naer My name is Abel Rosnovski’