AT NOON

    

    …Daphne Mavrodopolous, two months pregnant, saw the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen pass their taverna holding a naked infant child draped only in the hem of her long white dress.

    She did not know whether to be enchanted or concerned-such a very young child should not be exposed to the noonday sun. Yet the woman seemed to know what she was doing. She looked so purposeful, so controlled and aristocratic.

    She called inside to Kostas. She wanted him to see this. Kostas had been gloomy lately. She knew he worried about money and the baby. Perhaps it would help him to see this lovely new mother and her child.

    He didn’t answer right away so she ran inside to get him. She found him sitting by the bar idly polishing a glass and told him to hurry. Then she dashed outside again.

    Just in time to see the woman disappear into the Vassiliades’ wall like smoke through a window screen.

    She fainted. Kostas, behind her, was barely able to catch her. He brought her inside, into the shade.

    .