No doubt it will be too late for dinner but, on the occasion of me arriving after nine on my previous trips, my dear landlady has always provided a most satisfactory supper of cold meats and salad. I'm hoping that she has taken the very same initiative upon herself tonight. A distinct and very welcome aroma in her household is the delight of freshly baked baguettes. These suppers are always served on white china plates, the tablecloth as smooth as a new-born's behind and the butter just soft enough to attach itself to the tip of one's knife.
I relish the thought of such a supper tonight, sharing wine and making polite conversation whilst I no doubt childishly dance around the topic of my impending retirement. The beautiful guest house owner will smile politely, listening intently as she a
