NO ONE ASKED
"I just hope I can get up to the attic in time."
"You will," she says, "Barklay has devised some delaying tactics."
"Excellent."
"Come and dance with me," she says, suddenly, "nobody has been brave enough to ask me yet."
"Of course," I said, a little unsure whether I might be bringing more unnecessary attention to myself.
She gave me an uncertain look. "Something wrong?"
"I'll let you know when Katrin Cajthamlova turns up."
"And what if she doesn't?"
"Well, the evening hasn't been a total waste of time."