The last set was played in a nervous hush as the two players exchanged deadly volleys. On a drop shot of Stresa’s, the Pole made a last leap and caught the ball under the net, lifting it just enough to put it back in play. I saw Stresa standing motionless at the other end of the court, his eyes closed. A cry went up. I recognized Eva’s voice. Then, from the stands, applause erupted as if at last everyone had been set free. The Pole’s nerves gave out all at once and he burst into copious tears. Stresa managed to smile and put an arm around his opponent’s neck to congratulate him. I was pleased I’d cheered him on. I’d always liked good losers.

I headed for the exit, through the crowd. I was almost at the gates when I heard someone call my name. It was Eva. She must have lost the rest of the group, because she was alone.

“What are you doing?” she said hesitantly. “Aren’t you going to say hello?” Then we were pushed back toward the stands and she had to grab hold of my arm. “God, what horrible people!” she said, frightened. Her face was red from the sun and her dark glasses reflected the crowd around us.

“I didn’t see you,” I said. “I feel sorry for Livio, he played a great game.”

But it wasn’t Stresa she wanted to talk about. The crowds scared her and she kept looking around nervously. “Have you heard from Arianna?” she asked, without letting go of my arm. “Did you know that man doesn’t want me to see her? Did you know she hates me? I really hoped I’d see her today!”

I too looked around. I saw some of the group. The crowd had scattered them and they were searching for one another, calling out one another’s names.

Eva wouldn’t let go of my arm. “Are you sure you haven’t heard from her? I beg you! Tell me if you know something,” she said with a moan, as the multitude struggled on the surface of her glasses.

“No,” I said, “I don’t know anything. If I knew something I’d tell you.” It was true, I would have told her.

She nodded. “Yes,” she said, “I know you would tell me. You understand things.” She had a moment’s hesitation, then held out her hand. “Don’t you want to shake hands?” she said. I shook her hand and she said, “Forgive me. I really would like you to forgive me.”

Then, I don’t know why, I asked her for forgiveness too.

Someone called out her name. She turned to me one last time before walking away. Then the crowd overflowed her glasses and she was lost in the middle.