Storm and Silence

tle light fell through the high, narrow windows. What light there was, though, was suf

no draperies, nothing. The floor was dark, polished stone; the walls were painted a dark green-blue. In any other place the lack of decoration might have made one think the owner of the building was poor, but not here. The very enormity of thi

a very great hurry to get their business done. The only person who wasn't moving an inch was a sallow-faced old man behin

t? Well, there was onl

throat timidly. The man didn't seem to n

this time, and crossed my arms. Th

ps of his small, steel-rimmed spectacles. The face he pul

es

ck out. Last chance to leave t

my courage and said, loudly and cl

naked tap dance on your desk.' Everybody within hearing range stopped to turn towards me. One young c

llow-face incredulousl

another

redly not,

iss Lillia

e is a very busy man. He does not have time for everybody who wishes to waste it.' He looked down at his book again. 'If you have

ect for charity,' I said

urried noises of someone running after flying bits of paper. Sallow-face had no eyes for the m

n appointme

ton.

om, if I

eady told you I came here to see h

with the words 'April fool's joke' attached to the back of my head