Sally was the proud owner of the newly furbished tea rooms 'A Nation's Pride', in Basset Down market square. There was a simple opening ceremony before it was opened to the public.

All went well until an elderly gentleman entered the shop. He was reasonably dressed but had an air about him that concerned Sally.

'Good afternoon,' she smiled, 'table for one?'

'Are you blind woman? Can you see anyone else with me?' He grunted.

'Would you like a table near the window or in the corner?'

'Why should I want to sit in darkness?'

Sally led him to the vacant table near the window. She saw him looking disparagingly at the table cloth.

'The cloth is dirty.'

'I'll have it changed.'

The man grunted again and sat down. He ordered a pot of tea and a toasted tea cake. He sniffed and looked around the room to find further fault. Sally heard the crash of crockery and saw the old man slumped across the table.

Later that day Sally went to see him in hospital. He apologised for ruining her day and also for his rudeness. Today was the first anniversary of his wife's death and they had always frequented the old tea rooms.

'I miss her so much,' he said quietly choking back a sob.

Sally patted him on the hand ' When you are well pop in for a chat, I'd like to treat you to tea.'

He looked at her with watery eyes and nodded.