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extravagant fantasy, they were interludes. The Cafe had
its own sort of domesticity, a home from home. The afternoon
sleep of the famous musical director was gently broken by
the ting-ringing of a spoon on a balloon glass. For the
staff had to be confidants, friends and diplomats at times of
need, experts in the straightening of curious complications
and disputes, hierophants of the genius of conviviality.