Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.

Carl sits by the window and reads. The Half Moon Café is one of his favorite places downtown. He drinks a glass of wine and looks up now and then at all the people.

As Louise enters the café she looks up at the menu on the blackboard. She is quite hungry, yet she reminds herself that it will soon be dinner time. She should not eat very much now, so she decides to order a snack.

Waiter : Hello, what can I get for you?
Louise : I'll have a plain croissant and a cup of coffee, please.
Waiter : OK, why don't you find a seat and we'll bring it out to you.

Louise looks around for a free table. There are none. Just about the only free seat in the crowded room is opposite a young man who is reading a newspaper. She approaches Carl's small table.

Louise : May I sit here?
Carl : Sure, go right ahead.
Louise : Thanks. I can't believe how crowded it is in here.

The waiter brings her meal.

Carl : (folds the paper and places it on the table) Amazing, isn't it? I come here several times a week. I think the music and the good coffee bring people in.
Louise : (sips her coffee) You're right, it is delicious. I work right near here, but this is my first time here. I usually eat lunch in the company lunchroom.
Carl : Oh? My name's Carl, by the way.
Louise : Nice to meet you, Carl. I'm Louise. What do you do for a living?
Carl : I'm a student and I work at the university library. What about you?
Louise : Well, I'm a secretary at Hampton & Lyme, an advertising agency. How do you like college?
Carl : I like it all right, but I am taking way too many courses this semester.
Louise : What's your major?
Carl : English.
Man at next table : Excuse me, do you know what time it is?
Carl : (looking at his watch) Yes, it's ten minutes to four. Hey, I'd better get going. (stands up) If you work nearby, I guess I'll see you around.
Louise : Maybe so. Take care!

	Carl
	Louise
	Waiter

	connecting words
	noun clauses
	meeting someone
	saying goodbye