the salon was utterly deserted at this hour. All of the drapes were drawn back, though, and a breeze trickled in the doors to the patio. Lily noticed a cigarette burning itself to ash on the piano, it's thin trail of smoke shifting in the draught.

She was standing in the doors, looking out into the garden, when a voice came from behind her.

"Fine morning, miss."
A tall, handsome man stood leaning casually on the piano, smoking. He blew a ring and sent a stream of smoke through it. "You're up with the birds as well, I see. Did you need anything? I'm afraid the kitchen is not really started," he consulted a pocketwatch "But the bread will be fresh from the ovens."
He grinned whitely at her. His accent wasn't local, but she couldn't place it. She had seen him before....

It was the bartender from the Blue Lotus. Was it only two days ago she had seen him? It really was. My, how time flies.

"Oh, I just thought perhaps a pot of tea...I don't want to be any trouble...." she wanted to bite her tongue for being so subservient to a mere mixer of alcoholic concoctions.

"I think I could do that much for you, Lady Lily." he winked and stubbed out his cigarette.

She sat down in a chintz-upholsted chair by the tall window and read for what seemed like only moments.

"There you are. Compliments of Damon Harmodios." He placed the silver tea service on the table next to her and made a little bow. he has brought a tray of dainty biscuits and fruit as well.

"Thank you, Damon." she smiled at him in what she hoped what a charming manner "Is it all right if I take this into the gardens? I had thought to take my breakfast there."

"Well, as it happens, so had I." he grinned at her. "Do you mind having company?"

Her heart fluttered under his green gaze. "Er, no. Aren't you...? I mean, I thought you were working..."

"No. My shift begins in the evening, actually. But I live close to the hotel, and I find the gardens a most tranquil place in the morning. I often come here early. But- " He leaned a little closer, "Usually I do not find any delightful houris waiting for me."

"Oh!" Lily blushed to the roots of her hair. Damn her english complexion. She didn't know what to say.

"Come, I assure you I am quite harmless....have you seen the parrots? They are most active at this hour." He took the tea service and sauntered through the doors, Lily trailing behind him with her book lying forgotten on a side table.