He glanced at his watch. Maria should be waking from her nap just about now. In a half hour, Willy wanted to meet with her and ask her cooperation in doing "Madame Butterfly". Walther had suggested waiting until the next day, since Maria was tired from the closing night festivities in Uniport, and from packing the rest of the night in time to catch the morning stratoway. But Willy opposed delay.
As he stood there by his window, Walther had a sense of peace, for the first time since he'd been on Earth. The moment was all the more to be cherished, since he knew it could not last.
A light knock on his door jarred the view and the peace out of focus.
"Come in," he called, and turned, expecting to see Willy.
But it was Maria who entered, looking remarkably refreshed after her short nap. She wore a sweater, a very short skirt and open-toed sandals. Her long, dark hair was combed out loose.
It was the first time he had seen her dressed so casually. She looked more like a Welsh mountain girl than the star of the Uniport opera.
"Hi!" he said, inadequately.
She laughed at his surprise, and put her arms around him.
"Hi," she answered.
Maria had not forgotten her first lesson beside the Tahiti lagoon; and Walther was reviewing some subsequent lessons when both of them became aware of the unwelcome fact that they were not alone.