...of a date

The bar of the hotel had livened up around them now. The waiter, who had hitherto ignored them, came and asked them what they'd have, and they ordered two bourbons. They remained silent while waiting for the drinks, both somewhat embarrassed, exchanging a glance now and then. The waiter finally brought their bourbons and put a dish of peanuts on the table. Leaning forward occasionally to take a peanut, Anna Bruckhardt and Monsieur, still silent, looked at the decoration on the walls, examined the list of drinks. Monsieur could certainly have reanimated the conversation and he thought of doing so by throwing himself into another anecdote.

[Monsieur, Toussaint, J-P.]