They were young lovers, and seated at the table in the window; br where in Paris they'd be watching br the passers-by watching them... br but no. br He was silent, unyielding; but uncomfortable; br she with her head buried in his shoulder, br and pale as a damsel br in some stress. br I thought at first, they've had a long night br and she tired first... br but no. br They looked at me as I took the table across from them br as if I were a threat to their lovers' bubble br of unhappiness br not quite fully demonstrated... br Their order came. br He'd ordered a huge steak platter each; br and with his male priorities, br tucked in with vigour br eating with his elbows br which made it difficult for her br to maintain her body code br so leant her head behind his shoulder blade br uncomfortably br and left her meal untouched; br he undaunted; br one sensed a sympathy held sternly br by a sense of moral support; br it was not unbecoming br to another male... br but she was getting nowhere br and his was a large and satisfying steak. br br Finally, she pushed her plate away. br I must say, she played the lovers' code br just right; not overdone, br not underdone, just medium please. br br Minutes later br he went off to the Gents. br And then she gave the game away. br Sat up, mind clear, looked out the window br and very, very nearly br did all those feminine things br done at such a time. br br O lady, lady, in thy orisons br be all thy sins remembered. br br But they left together; br as if with a common purpose.