After a minute or so , during which Peter could hear the clink of china and the rattle of cutlery , the proprietress returned, bearing a quite elaborate tray, on which there was a pair of mugs , one very similar to the one he had examined earlier and the other slightly larger and with a different design , something like a small stout hourglass with a large waist . Next to them was a handsome bowl , a sugar bowl and a milk jug . There were two spoons and a pair of matching small plates , obviously commercially made but tastefully pretty withal.

-- More of your work ? asked Peter , indicating the mugs and bowls and the jug.

-- Yes , they aren't finest china , but they are practical .

-- Oh no , they are very handsome , said Peter. They make a fine set .

-- Thank you , said the lady , and proceeded to take the packet of Hobnobs that Peter had placed on the table , tearing it open and dropping the contents into the bowl . The light smell of chocolate mingled with the aromas from pot pourri dishes that stood on a shelf along the wall.

-- How do you take your coffee ?

She paused , holding the coffee pot above the table for a moment then suddenly replacing it .

-- This is ridiculous , she said , I haven't even asked your name !

-- And I don't know yours , chuckled Peter.

-- I'm Peter . Peter Jack .

He stood and made a mock bow . With his hand across his heart , he asked :

-- And whom have I the honour of addressing ?

Falling into the spirit of the moment , the lady stood and made a tiny but elegant curtsey.

-- I am Jane , at your service , sir.

They burst into simultaneous laughter as they sat again and Jane picked up the coffee pot once more.

-- It must be the effect of the chocolate , said Jane . I get quite carried away .

Then she suddenly flushed , realising that she was possibly giving the impression of flirtatiousness .

Hastily she began to pour , half filled one mug , and then with an embarrassed glance at Peter , she asked :

-- I'm sorry . I should have asked . Do you take milk ?

Then she added :

-- I have some cream if you prefer it to milk .

-- Good heavens , no , said Peter . I sometimes take milk , but never cream . Too American . I'll take some milk , thanks . I often don't even bother and drink it black .

The mugs were filled and the sugar bowl offered .

No thanks , said Peter . I like it fairly black and fairly plain . Here's to you !

And he raised his mug and took a sip

-- Just right , he said .

Jane took a sip and replaced her mug on the table , and as Peter gestured towards the biscuits , she took one and nibbled. Then she sat back and looked quizzically at Peter.

-- Now , tell me all about yourself . Erm , I'm not being too nosey am I ?

-- No , that's all right , said Peter . I'm nothing very special . Australian , as you know. I decided after finishing University that I'd travel a bit before I settled down with a job in Oz. Both my parents are dead , and they left me a bit of cash that I could have used , but apart from the original fare over , I've mostly worked my way around this country and some of Europe. Just casual jobs , anything and everything from bar work to construction sites.

He paused and drank some more coffee .

-- Do you like to dunk ? he asked . -- Oh yes , but I was being polite .

She proceeded to do so , with careful satisfaction .

-- Where in Europe ? asked Jane , still nibbling , this time at the second biscuit which she had carefully dunked while Peter had been doing the same .

-- Netherlands , down through France , across the top of Italy , back up through Austria and into Germany , and then back across to England . Spent a while in Ireland too , South , not North .

-- Ireland ! Oh lovely! said Jane .I'm pretty well full blood Irish myself. It probably explains a lot about me . Did you like Ireland ?

-- It's about the greenest place I've ever seen , replied Peter . I thought England was green , but coming up the Shannon on the ferry made me understand why it's called The Emerald Isle . And one day in Killarney I stood on a hill and could see four weathers across the landscape all at the same time .

Jane sighed , a trifle nostalgically.

-- Now , said Peter . Something about you .......

He waited for her to speak .