The golden head bowed slightly, and a smile hovered about her lips; but her amusement at my answer was more eloquently stated in her eyes.
"I must explain that my sole excuse for addressing you is that we are required to learn, where possible, just why strangers seek the Asolando."
"In the case of the lady to whom you refer, it was a matter of this being the seventh shop from the corner; and my own appearance was due to the idlest curiosity, inspired by enthusiastic descriptions of the Asolando's atmosphere and rumors of the cheapness of its food."
"The reasons are quite ample," was her only comment, and her manner did not encourage further conversation.
"May I ask," I persisted, "whether the Asolando's staff is permanent, and whether, if I return another day."
"I take it that you do not mean to be impertinent, so I will answer that my service here is limited to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On the other days Pippa is in the cash-booth. My name at the Asolando is Francesca."
"I had guessed it might be Lalage or Chloris," I ventured.
She shook her head gravely.
"Kindly write your name in the visitors' book at the door as you pass out."
There was no ignoring this hint. I thought she smiled as I left her.