"It's amazing that some people can be so wealthy while others struggle", said Sarah. Peter thought he could detect a trace of bitterness?

"They certainly look as if they don't have to work for the money they spend", replied Peter. But the downside of their wheel of fortune could not only be economic hardship but also physical danger. I once knew a youngster that returned to their own country and was never heard of again. Their family was out of favour and that was it."

"There are many ironies in life. This is a bit philosophical – does this mean we are having another proper conversation?"

"Surely the definition of a proper conversation is one without limits?"

"But limits are usually self imposed?"

"Perhaps that's what people want."

"But people don't always get what they expect. Men marry to be with the woman they love and then spend twenty years trying to negotiate time with her in the face of opposition from their children."

"Then having a friend to talk things over with must surely strengthen a marriage", Sarah rationalised.

The hour sped by amid talk of theatre societies, badminton and the strains on parents of adolescent children. Their conversation had a natural depth.

They parted at the entrance to the park.

"It's been very pleasant", he said with a big smile.



Their meetings in the park had become became regular after that. Comradeship quickly grew as the days passed with the closeness of mutual habit. They strolled round the lake and went for more rowing trips. (Sarah had a go at taking the oars - and still retained her modesty). They learned a little of each other life history's and talked about occupations.

He gave her a taste of life in a multinational - how over the years, the corporate identity of dark suits, polished shoes, cuff-links eventually came to identify the person.

She described the insecurity of being a "Have Portable Word Processor Will Travel" free-lance personal secretary but also how she enjoyed the freedom of a constant supply of new challenges. He found her a good listener - willing to let him offload work worries but prone to moments of quiet sadness as if a burden was never far from her mind.

She always turned up smartly dressed but never looked formal. A thirty something career lady used to catching the eye of corporate men. Immaculately made-up. Blouse buttoned high - at first - then, as the days passed, just a little bit more revealing.

In the end he confessed to noticing and admiring. They crossed another barrier of formality when she returned his compliments. The days drifted by and the edge on the air from winter gave way to the fresh coolness of spring.

Pink blossom was on the trees and the smell of fresh dug flowerbeds of Hyde Park struggled to compete with the vehicle fumes.