I was astounded. In front of me, on the top of the bar counter, was a little bag of gold. Actually, it wasn't that little. This lady was full of surprises. Who would have thought it? And what an offer!

I thought for a moment, then gently pushed the bag back towards her.

"I don't need your gold," I said quietly. "It just seemed to me that you could do with a friend. I certainly don't want paying for that!"

The lady blushed a little. "I'm sorry if I offended you, Tassos," she said. "It's just that I've been a long time from home, and I'm not sure if I can ever go back."

"I see. Well, you are more than welcome to stay here, you know. There are spare staff rooms upstairs..." My voice faltered under her gaze.

"Staff?" she said. "Are you offering me a job?"

"It wouldn't be much," I replied. "A little serving, a bit of washing and cleaning....just whatever needs doing around the place, really. And then, if you liked it here in Gebtu and decided that you would stay...."

"We'll see," she answered. "I'll just think about the offer for a bit, if that's satisfactory with you...."