Madelyn's eyes lit up with anticipation. "May I know what the surprise is?" she asked the deliverer.

"You'll find out when the time comes, Ms. Jent. The extra ticket allows you to bring a friend along."

Holding the two tickets and an expensive bound art album signed by Edward Waltz, Madelyn was at a loss. She had no friends to invite. But then, she thought of someone suddenly, and she wondered if he would like to join her.

At nine in the evening, the evening breeze stirred outside. In a hospi