MAY DAY
89
may not remember me, but I remember you very well.’ ‘ I’d like to see Elena Stanislavovna,’ said Hippolyte hesitantly. ‘ She invites you to come and see her.’
- But how did she know I was here ? ’
‘ I saw you in the corridor at the House Depart ment, and for a long time I thought “ That face seems familiar,” and then I remembered. You don’t need to be afraid. It will be kept a secret.’ ‘ A woman you know ? ’ asked Bender in a businesshke way. ‘ Er—yes, an old friend.’ ‘ Well, perhaps we can go and see her and have supper with your old friend. I, for one, am dying for something to eat, and aU the restaurants are closed.’ ‘ All right. Let us go.’ ‘ Come on then,’ said Bender. ‘ Lead on, mysterious stranger.’ And the locksmith, casting furtive glances over his shoulder, led them through back streets and yards until they came to the fortime-teller’s house.
