was in fact the case, because today she did not think about him, and nothing happened to her. Yes, she didn’t think about him, but… Lord, what a torment it is: for him to stubbornly surface in her mind, in some new, exciting light. Sargel and Malika were busy with their quarrel and paid no attention to Bagila. It was actually a good thing, that they didn’t know what she was thinking about at that moment… They sat for another half an hour, then Sargel paid the waiter. They headed for the exit. The guys were still sitting there, and one of them was staring at Bagila. Sargel, showing with all his appearance that he was ready to repel any attempt on his ladies, stepped firmly and sedately. When they came abreast of the ill-fated table, a long-haired man got up and blocked their way. “Excuse me…” he addressed first to Malika, then turned his gaze to Bagila. “Young man, let us pass!” Malika said sharply, show- ing how angry she was, unable to bear such monstrous bad manners. “Excuse me, I must have lost my head a bit due to the wine…” “Sir, if you don’t want me to call the police, make way immediately,” Sargel said, advancing on the guy. “What a disgrace!” “I… did not mean to disgrace, I beg your pardon.” “I cannot forgive anyone who asks me for forgive- ness,” Sargel said, his eyes fixed on the top frame of the front door. “It doesn’t matter, god bless you… Now get out of the way!” “I didn’t mean to offend you,” the long-haired man blurted out, hurrying to say the necessary words before they left. As if hoping for feminine gentleness, he looked pleadingly at Malika. “I’m ashamed to stand like this… but how else could I have delayed you even for a minute. Don’t be afraid of me… I don’t know who this man is: your brother or father, but I’m not some kind of criminal, so I don’t know why he’d threaten me with the police. I am a painter. In that note, I thanked you for appearing here, for the fact that there is such beauty in the world,” he looked towards Bagila. “I have nothing more to say.” He made way for them. Malika was taken aback. She had no words, and, making a kind face, as if making it clear
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