It wasn’t just in the little restaurant. The entire area abruptly went dark. There was a silence, followed by laughter. There were candles in little glass jars lighting the tables; after a few moments, the owner appeared from the kitchen and started lighting more. The coffee was already made, she told them, so they could have that, anyway.

“I expect it’ll be over in a little while,” said Gorham. “Con Ed has massive backup capacity.”

“Or maybe it’ll be like ’65 again,” said Juan. “A population explosion.” It was a statistical fact that, nine months after the last big blackout, back in 1965, there had been a short, sharp increase in the local birth rate. Gorham turned to Maggie.

“I’m afraid you may have difficulty getting to work now.”

“I’ll find a taxi. It’s not raining any more.”

“But there’s no light.”

“Maybe the office has a backup generator.”

“And if not?”

“I’ll get some candles.”

“What floor is your office on?”

“The thirty-second.”

“You’re going to walk up thirty-two floors?” Gorham asked. Maggie seemed to hesitate. “I guess this is how firms like Branch & Cabell test the commitment of their associates.”

“Very funny,” she said drily.

They drank their coffee. People passing in the street told them that every light in the city was out. Fifteen minutes went by and then Juan and Janet said they thought they’d be getting back. After Gorham and Juan had insisted they split the check between them, and Maggie had thanked Gorham, they all came out onto the sidewalk, and Juan and Janet turned northward.

“So,” Gorham said, “are you really going to your office?”

Maggie stared south at the total blackness of Midtown. “I need to. But I guess not.”

“Suggestion. We walk down Park toward my apartment, which is in the Seventies. If the lights come on, you can proceed. If not, I will give you a drink and then walk you safely home. Is that a good deal?”

“You are suggesting I enter a darkened building with a man I hardly know?”

“A Park Avenue co-op. One of the best.”

“When has that ever protected a lady?”

“Never, as far as I know.”

“Just a drink. You have candles? I’m not sitting in the dark.”

“You have my word.”

“What floor? The elevator won’t be working.”

“Third.”

Twenty minutes later, she started laughing. “You said you were on the third floor.”

“No I didn’t, I said fifth. We’re almost there. Look.” He pointed the flashlight the doorman had given him. “Just ahead.”