He waited until it was past midnight. The Corniche was empty, or almost so. The people who were sitting around went away. He noticed people cleaning up in Riri’s place, getting ready to close. He went over to the side street that went up into town; he stood at the corner facing the building. A figure appeared at the end of the street; it was Riri approaching. He moved forward a step till he was under the light so that she could make out his features. She came nearer, but did not pay any attention to him as he stood there. She did not bother with dawdlers anymore; that was very good.

“Riri,” he said in a gentle, quavering voice as she was about to walk past him.

She stopped and looked at him. “Who are you?” she asked.

He moved a step closer. She stared at him without showing any signs of emotion. “I’m Isa,” he replied.

She was looking really fit, coy and attractive. There was little doubt that she remembered him; at least, the way in which she looked so shocked, then frowned, tightened her lips, and showed her disgust indicated that she did. She was about to move on, but he blocked her path.

“Who are you?” she yelled angrily. “What do you want?”

“I’m Isa, as you know very well!”

“I don’t know you,” she replied, her face betraying all kinds of different emotions.

“Of course you do,” he replied ardently. “There’s no reason for you to deny it! I don’t expect you to accept excuses, but we’ve some things to talk about.”

“I don’t know you; let me pass.”

“We must talk,” he said desperately. “There’s no other way. I’m much more miserable than you can possibly imagine!”

“Go away,” she replied angrily, “get lost! That’s the best thing you can do!”

“But I’m almost going out of my mind. Who’s the little girl, Riri?”

“Which little girl?”

“The one who came and sat on your lap a few hours ago, and then came into this building with her nanny. I noticed you quite by chance, and then I saw her. I followed her until she went into the building. I’m more miserable than you can imagine, I assure you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied emphatically. “Go away; that’s the best thing you can do!”

“I’m almost going out of my mind. You must say something. She’s my daughter, Riri. You must tell me.”

“Get out of my sight,” she yelled in the silent street. “You’re both blind and mad! Get lost, will you!”

“But my heart has told me everything.”

“It’s a liar, like you! That’s all there is to it.”