You know you've been hurt.''
''Exactly,'' the Colonel said. ''Let's forget it.''
''All right,'' she said. ''I learned that word, or those two words from you.
We have forgotten it.''
''Why do you like the hand?'' the Colonel asked, placing it where he should.
''Please don't pretend to be stupid, and please let's not think of anything, or anything, or anything.''
''I am stupid,'' the Colonel said. ''But I won't think of anything or anything nor of nothing nor of his brother, tomorrow.''
''Please be good and kind.''
''I will be.
And I will tell you, now, a military secret Top Secret equals British Most Secret. I love you.''
''That's nice,'' she said. ''And you put it nicely.''
''I'm nice,'' the Colonel said, and checked on the bridge that was coming up, and saw there was clearance. ''That's the first thing people notice about me.''
''I always use the wrong words,'' the girl said. ''Please just love me.
I wish it was me who could love you.''
''You do.''
''Yes, I do,'' she said. ''With all my heart.''
They were going with the wind now and they were both tired.
''Do you think—''
''I don't think,'' the girl said.
''Well try and think.''
''I will.''
''Drink a glass of this.''
''Why not?
It's very good.''
It was.
There was still ice in the bucket, and the wine was cold and clear.
''Can I stay at the Gritti?''
''No.''
''Why not?''
''It wouldn't be right.
For them.
Nor you.
The hell with me.''
''Then I suppose I should go home.''
''Yes,'' the Colonel said. ''That is the logical supposition.''
''That is an awful way to say a sad thing.
Can't we even pretend some things?''
''No.
I'll take you home and you sleep good and well and tomorrow we will meet where and when you say.''
''May I call the Gritti?''
''Of course.
I'll always be awake.
Will you call when you are awake?''
''Yes.
But why do you always wake so early?''
''It is a business habit.''
''Oh, I wish you were not in that business, and that you were not going to die.''
''So do I,'' said the Colonel. ''But I'm getting out of the business.''
''Yes,'' she said, sleepily and comfortably. ''Then we go to Rome and get the clothes.''
''And live happily ever after.''