The Unconsoled Read Online Free PDF Page A

come and find me. I am usually to be found quite easily and I don't leave the premises until late. I shall stop whatever it is I'm doing and go and fetch the albums. I'd feel much happier leaving it on such a basis. Really, I couldn't bear to think I was adding further pressure to your schedule.'
    'That's very considerate of you, Mr Hoffman.'
    'Actually it occurs to me, Mr Ryder. Over the coming days I may give the appearance of being frantically busy. But I would like you to understand, I shall never be too busy to attend to this matter. So even if I look very preoccupied, please don't be put off.'
    'Very well. I'll remember that.'
    'Perhaps we should agree on a signal of some sort. I say this because you may come searching for me and see me on the other side of a crowded room. It would be very onerous on you to have to push your way through such a seething mass. And in any case, by the time you reach the point in the room where you first saw me, I may myself have moved off. This is why a signal would be advisable. Something easily distinguishable which you can give above the heads of the crowd.'
    'Indeed, that seems a very sound idea.'
    'Excellent. I am heartened to discover you such an agreeable and kind person, Mr Ryder. If only one could say as much for certain other celebrities we have hosted here. So. It just remains for us to agree a signal. Perhaps I could suggest… well, let us say something like this.'
    He raised a hand, palm outwards, the fingers fanned out, and described a motion as though he were wiping a window.
    'Just an example,' he said, putting his hand quickly behind his back. 'Of course, another signal may be more to your liking.'
    'No, that signal is fine. I'll give it to you as soon as I'm ready to look at your wife's albums. It really is very kind of her to have gone to such trouble.'
    'I know it has given her profound satisfaction. Of course, if later on you think of some other signal you prefer, please phone me from your room, or else leave a message with one of the staff.'
    'You're most kind, but the signal you suggest seems to me very elegant. Now, Mr Hoffman, I wonder if you would advise me where I might get some good coffee. I feel just now I could drink several cups.'
    The manager laughed rather theatrically. 'I know the feeling very well. I shall take you to the atrium. Please, follow me.'
    He led the way to the corner of the lobby and through a pair of heavy swing doors. We entered a long gloomy corridor with dark wood panelling along both walls. There was so little natural light in the corridor that even at this point in the day a row of dim wall lamps had been left on. Hoffman continued to walk briskly ahead of me, turning every few steps to smile over his shoulder. About half-way down, we passed a rather grand-looking doorway and Hoffman, who must have noticed me looking at it, said:
    'Ah yes. Coffee would normally be served there in the drawing room. A splendid room, Mr Ryder, very comfortable. And now further adorned by some hand-made tables I found myself during a recent trip to Florence. I'm sure you'd approve of them. However, just now, as you know, we have closed off the room for Mr Brodsky.'
    'Oh yes. He was in there earlier when I arrived.'
    'He's still in there, sir. I would take you in to introduce you to each other except, well, I feel this is perhaps not quite the moment. Mr Brodsky may… well, let us say, it may not yet be the moment. Ha ha! But not to worry, there will be many opportunities for you two gentlemen to get to know one another.'
    'Mr Brodsky is in that room now?'
    I glanced back towards the doorway and possibly slowed my pace a little. In any case, the manager grasped my arm and began firmly to lead me away.
    'He is indeed, sir. Very well, he's sitting there silently just now, but I assure you, he will begin again at any moment. And this morning, you know, he rehearsed the orchestra for a full four hours. By all accounts, everything is going extremely well. So