Several seconds passed before his voice penetrated the chatter of the typewriter. When Mildred looked up, she was looking into Nathan's serious eyes. Now, she though.

"Mildred, I think you'd be interested in meeting some friends of mine."

The windows were rolled up. The air conditioner hummed. Otherwise no sound broke the silence as Mildred and Nathan drove through the city in the night. Nathan had had several drinks. Mildred had been drinking since five. The neon went past.

"A sense of decay has set in," said Nathan., "I find it comforting. Crushed civilizations moonsparkle on breezy nights. Below the waters of forgetfulness run waters of blue and green and turquoise, depending on the light."

Passing neon changed Mildred's face. She smiled.

"Poo Poo," she said very quietly.

They arrived at Scott's apartment.

"Here?" she asked.

"Here," Nathan said.

"Poo Poo," said Mildred quietly.

Scott came to the door. He liked the way Mildred looked, rather soused, and he greeted Nathan warmly. He guided them into the living room and told them that Mirna was fixing bourbon and water since that was all they had. The pumpkin sat in its wash tub in the middle of the room. Nathan and Mildred sat on the couch.

"Bourbon and water are great," said Mildred.

"Great," said Scott. She had large breasts, he noticed, but she was wearing a bra. She enjoyed being looked at, he could tell, yet he was embarrassed looking at her.

"I'll go help Mirna with the drinks," he said. "There's the pumpkin Nathan."

"The pumpkin," replied Nathan.