The man
smiled good-naturedly. His gaze wandered to the scone which stood
on Mark’s plate. Julia noticed the look of longing in his eyes.
‘It’s been years since I’ve had a cream tea,’
he said, his voice slightly sad.
‘They’re very nice,’ said Mark. ‘Why don’t
you get one?’
The man shook his head. ‘It would go straight through me.’
‘Could I tempt you with half of my last scone?’ said Julia.
She felt sorry for the old man. There was something slightly pathetic
about him. ‘Surely a little bit won’t hurt?’
‘That’s very kind,’ said the man. ‘But no,
I’d better not. I’ll take your menu, though. I like to
read the menu.’
Julia handed him the menu. He smiled again and returned to his own
table.
Mark and Julia got on with their cream teas.
‘So,’ said Mark. ‘Where do you want to head for
after this?’
‘Carrot and coriander soup, served with a bread roll…’
The couple looked over at the old man. He was reading the menu out
loud. Julia rolled her eyes, and Mark smiled embarrassedly. Then they
came to a mutual, unspoken decision to ignore the eccentric customer.
|
‘I
wouldn’t mind going back to that village,’ said Julia.
‘I noticed some nice gift shops.’
She risked a discreet glance at the man on the other table. He made
no move to go into the café and order, and seemed content
to read his menu.
‘Welsh rarebit, served with a salad garnish…’
‘The shops did look nice,’ said Mark.
‘Jacket potatoes. Choose from the following fillings: cheddar
cheese, baked beans, cottage cheese, chilli con carne, chicken curry…’
‘And I need to deliver those postcards,’ added Julia.
‘Strawberries with fresh cream or ice cream…See the
board for today’s specials.’
As the couple prepared to leave, the young man from the café
returned and began to clear their plates onto a tray.
‘Did you have any trouble?’ he said, looking at them
worriedly.
‘No, that was delicious,’ said Mark.
‘You mean he didn’t come?’ said the waiter, surprised.
‘Who?’
‘The old man with the walking stick.’
Julia smiled. The gentleman must be a regular visitor. ‘Yes,
he’s just over there…’ |
