Somerset Maugham. The Luncheon
Part 2
She was not so young as I expected and in appearance imposing rather than attractive. She was in fact a woman of forty, and she gave me the impression of having more teeth, white and large and even, than were necessary for any practical purpose. She was talkative, but since she seemed inclined to talk about me I was prepared to be an attentive listener. I was startled when the menu was brought, for the prices were a great deal (гораздо) higher than I had expected. But she reassured me.
‘I never eat anything for luncheon,’ she said.
‘Oh, don't say that!’ I answered generously.
‘I never eat more than one thing. I think people eat too much nowadays. A little fish, perhaps. I wonder if they have any salmon.’
Well, it was early in the year for salmon and it was not on the menu, but I asked the waiter if there was any. Yes, they had a beautiful salmon, it was the first they had had. I ordered it for my guest. The waiter asked her if she would have something while it was being cooked.