--Gentlemen, said one of them,--if I have come to this restaurant,
where the food is bad, it is only to talk. I have a horror of solitary
meals, and this system of tables for three pleases me, as with two one
might wrangle.... But you look taciturn?
--It is quite unintentional, said Prometheus.
--Shall I continue?
--Yes, please do.
--It seems to me quite possible that during lunch three people have
time to become very well known to each other,--not losing too much time
eating,--not talking too much; and avoiding trite topics; I mean to say
mentioning only strictly individual experiences. I do not pretend that
one is obliged to talk, but why come to this restaurant, where the
food is bad, if conversation does not suit you?
Prometheus was very tired: the waiter leant over and whispered: That is
Cocles. The one who is going to speak is Damocles.
Damocles said: