b58
RAMON SENDER
"No, no, only an indication."
The orchestra was playing seated on a small platform.
"Percussion instruments are exciting," the director remark-
ed. "Stringed instruments, on the other hand, are soothing and
tranquilizing."
Everything on the terrace was grey and neutral. A guest
approached Dr. Smith, saying:
"I'm going to San Francisco tomorrow. You know my heart
is a little . . . well, do you think I can fly? I ask because people
do die in airplanes."
"People also die in bed," countered the doctor, raising
his
birdlike head.
The guest boldly made his way out onto the terrace. The
attorney Arner thought: "I didn't believe Dr. Smith had a seIlSt
of humor." He asked if Miss Slingsby's chauffeur was attending
the dance and the director assured him he was. Then Mr. Arner
wished to find out which patient was Mrs. Strolheim and the
doctor said:
"The one there to the right of the dance floor, and who
is
just now touching her necklace. Don't look at her. She realizes
we're talking about her."
At the table beside Matilda another patient was crying like
a child while a nurse, who was trying to calm her, offered her a
cigarette, lighting it for her. Arner asked:
"Do they behave rationally?"
"Yes, don't worry."
"I told you before that I'm not worried, doctor."
At the table level the air on the terrace was the same quiet
air of the inside rooms. But a little higher, wild outdoor breezes
were blowing.
Many small tables were scattered about the terrace, each
with a little lamp. These lights in the declining paleness of eve–
ning had a cold fluid quality. In the middle of the terrace the
dance floor gleamed, freshly. At the back a nurse was preparing
refreshments behind a wide table covered with a cloth.
