There was rather a long silence, which he broke by asking her if she read Persian.

He excused his knowledge of it by saying that it kept him human.

She laughed and suggested a continuance of their stroll.

He talked disconnectedly as they walked up and down.
The crowd on the terrace thinned as the hour of dejeuner approached.
Presently she proclaimed her hunger.

He murmured that it must be near dinner time.