Wishing to ensure that the bargain was sealed as soon as possible , Peter hurried out of the cafe and started along the street towards the bank . It was still comparatively early in the morning , just before the bank 's opening time , so he loitered for a moment in the street, in front of a gaily dressed window . It was a craft shop , by the name of Number One.. Lots of coloured ribbons were draped over an elegant little stand , with embroidery hoops surrounding its base , and nearby , an arrangement that caught Peter's attention .

It was a small display of lace making accessories , with the colourful threads on bobbins surrounding what looked like a clear globe on a pedestal . Peering closely , he could read a small placard , with the words Lace Maker's Lamp -- Antique . He was peering under his hand to avoid the glare of the morning sun , and drew back when he saw movement in the shop . As he dropped his hand it must have looked like a partial wave , for the person in the shop also made a small gesture like a wave , and he could see that she was smiling . Peter waved back , a real wave this time , and smiled at the woman , who , he thought , must be the proprietor.

But the moment ended there , as the doors of the nearby bank opened . Peter strolled across and entered the little area , which was rather gloomy after the bright sun outside . He was the first customer , and as he fiddled with his identification papers the fresh faced young woman behind the grille smiled and said :

-- Can I be of assistance ?

-- You can , said Peter . I want to cash this traveller's cheque .

-- Certainly , said the girl . Do you have any identification ?

Peter handed over the credit cards from his wallet , as well as his passport which he had extricated earlier from the safe belt he wore.

-- I also have a driver's licence , he said . But it was issued in my own country .

--This should be enough , said the girl . I'll just have to get James to counter check while you sign .

She turned and called over the only other person behind the counter , who watched as Peter signed the cheque , checked the signature against the passport signature and looked at him carefully to check the resemblance . Peter laughed , because he himself thought that his passport photo was not particularly like him.

But the young man seemed satisfied , handed the passport back to the girl , and said

-- That will be quite all right , Jasmine .

It was only then that Peter noticed the girl's beautiful olive coloured skin , her dark eyes and dark hair . He had been too busy with the bureaucratic arrangements to think about whether she was of other than Celtic or Anglo-Saxon background .

She counted out the notes with supple , flicking fingers, and handed them over with a smile .

Peter thanked her, gave a slight wave to James and hurried out .

When he got back to the cafe , it had already gained a few customers , all of whom stared at him with unabashed curiosity . One or two of them exchanged significant glances when he handed the rent money over to Mrs George , and one in particular made some sort of whispered comment , which caused Mrs George to glare at him , though she refrained from speaking . She handed Peter a key, with an almost triumphant gesture , or at least one signifying a noble contempt for the whisperer.

Peter left then and went back to the house , letting himself in and taking his rucksack up to the small room . He unpacked it , hung up some of his clothes , and while doing so noted two problems . One of his tee shirts , and it was unfortunately his favourite , had a seam that had come undone , and there was also a weakening in one the straps of the rucksack .

I wonder , he thought . That craft shop would have needles and thread , but I wonder if it has anything that would help with the rucksack.

He hastily emptied the rest of his goods onto the bed , and swinging the empty bag , left the house and walked swiftly down the street again.

As he pushed open the door of Number One, a silvery sounding bell tinkled , and a pretty , young looking woman looked around the door of what seemed like a workshop , judging from the potter's wheel Peter could see in there .

Stripping off a pair of clay stained gloves she came into the shop smiling a welcoming smile and said

-- Can I help you ?