Roderick saw Sal safely in and placed the basket beside her. “Good old basket!” said Roderick, smiling. “Don’t wait,” said Sal. She knew all the women in the bus and was aware that they were interested in Roderick. (She could almost hear what they would say to each other when they got together over a cup of tea.) “Don’t wait,” she repeated urgently. “Please, don’t wait.” “All right—see you tomorrow afternoon,” said Roderick. He saluted smartly and walked away. Sal watched him walk across the square; he looked strong and confident, sure of his own capacity to deal with any contingency that might arise. He was a real man, thought Sal, loving every inch of him…he turned the corner and was gone. Sal sighed. She would have liked to sit in silence and think about Roddy and try to arrange her thoughts. She still felt bewildered, almost incredulous of all that had happened.
