the narrow shaft proved to be very short . they 're not laughing at me . we desire each other very much , have from the first day we met . '' `` a pleasure , '' she said , with a sweet smile , taking my hand . `` smooth words , so soft and proper . once he finished his lunch , he reached for his sketch pad and looked at his drawing from earlier on . but how long did he have tonight ? `` sorry , '' jazz said , and slid everything back into the envelope . 