Mr Harris was a small, quiet man. He wore quiet clothes and he had a
quite voice. He did not like noisy people and loud voices. So he was not pleased.
‘Young people are always noisy,’ he thought. ‘Why can’t they talk quietly?’
He put his book down and closed his eyes. But he could not sleep because
the two young people didn’t stop talking. The young woman sat down and said in
a quieter voice: ‘Carl, you’re my brother and I love you, but please listen
to me. You can’t take my diamond necklace. Give it back to me now. Please!’
Carl smiled. ‘No, Elena, ‘ he said. I’m going back to Russia soon
and I’m taking your diamonds with me.’ He took off his hat and put it on the
seat. ‘Elena, listen. You have a rich husband, but I – I have nothing! How
can I live without money? You can’t give me money, so I need your diamonds,
little sister.’
Mr Harris looked at the young woman. She was small, with black hair and dark eyes.
Her face was white and afraid. Mr Harris began to feel sorry for Helena. She and her
brother didn’t look at him once. ‘Can’t they see me?’ he thought.
