"If I can make but one comment," the sheriff answered, "then I will speak no more."
The Speaker sighed and nodded.
"I would appreciate it very much," the sheriff continued, "that henceforth all your security people be over 21 and, armed. I don't want another deputy to have to take an urn of ashes back to a grieving mother and father who have lost a teenage son. That is the only thing I wish to comment on."
The Speaker looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "Done!" she agreed. "And my sincere thanks that your deputy took that unpleasant duty, a fine man!"
She motioned to the table. The sheriff came and seated himself. She pressed a button and the meal was brought in.
"Now, I've never had this," The Speaker remarked, "roast of mutton stew. But I understand it's one of your favorites and I hope we got the recipe right."
The sheriff took a bite out of his slice of mutton, tasted it and smiled. "Superb!" he remarked, "My compliments to the cook!"
The waiter nodded, smiled, laid out the rest of the meal and withdrew. The room's two occupants continued to quietly eat and occasionally look at each other and smile for some time. Then the sheriff managed to ask a question he really wanted an answer to.

Page 22