A Night On The Town: Colette's Thoughts

The commotion by the drinks counter halted Colette from enjoying the peaceful companionship of her wine. She looked about again, and saw that Mary was darting into the crowd, looking forward and back with a mixture of apprehension and admiration. Colette frowned slightly, trying to follow her gaze through the dim, slightly crowded parlour. The girl was heading her direction, though, and Colette leaned over and hissed at her. "Mary. What's the matter?" She gestured her closer, not wanting to be seen immediately if a city policeman or some other person had entered and was looking for valid papers; Colette had none on her, and the Circus hadn't yet paid its fees to the city for the land it occupied temporarily. Better to stay out of sight--this was why she didn't like towns, she thought sourly, but the thought was gone almost as soon as it entered her mind. More important matters pressed on her mind.