Lifted my telephone, overheard a conversation:
“Don’t you recognize me?”
“Who… who are you?”
“Guess.”
“I can’t imagine. If you don’t tell me who you are, I will have to close the phone. I do not speak to strangers.”
“It’s me darling, it’s me. Teddy.”
“Darling… Teddy… you’re back… oh, I’m so happy.”
“I’m so happy too. I never dreamt I’d be able to hear your voice again.”
“Tell me how you are? Are you all right? Have you also got malaria?”
“Yes, once in a while. Had an attack yesterday. But let’s not talk about myself. How are you? Have you put on weight? Do you still play tennis? Can… can I see you tomorrow?”
“One at a time, Ted. Yes, I’m alright. I lost weight. And of course, you can see me tomorrow. First thing in the morning. And you’re going to have lunch with me. And by the way, bring Johnnie along, too.”
“Oh Johnnie… why, he… he…”
“Don’t tell me that Johnnie…”
“Yes… while on patrol… Please tell Nena. He told me that in case he doesn’t come back to tell Nena he was always thinking of her. He seemed to have a premonition.”
“How can I tell her that?”
‘‘That was his last wish.”
“Is there no chance of his being alive?”
“I’m afraid not, besides… oh, well, we had better talk about this in your house. Not over the telephone.”
I’ll wait for you tomorrow, then.”
“By the way, Mary … do you … do you still love me? Or is there someone else?”
I closed the phone. That would be eavesdropping!