Alcala 1972

Opening scene: Jewelled dresses and glittered eyes speak wildly to the walls, who answer—discreetly, for this is the lenten season—with phrases of gray and blue. The costumes suggest a g entler time; France, perhaps, when Bal de la Mi-Careme eased the lenten sacrifice. The French club is hosting the masked ball, and the guests startle and shine. The walls hold fast their confidence. Closing scene: The Spanish Club collects about the tables, the people close to one another, their eyes smiling the dark away and touching the room with warmth. Dinner conversation is muted, easy: the club is together. (The dinner is beautiful.)

73