Adam's Breed

Gian-Luca worked better than ever in the autumn, determined to slay this thing that possessed him, this spirit of indifference and depression. People were hurrying back from the country, and the Doric was full to overflowing once more; then one morning the telephone rang loud and long, it was someone demanding the headwaiter.

Gian-Luca put the receiver to his ear: "Yes, I am the headwaiter -- the restaurant, yes -- "