پایان داستان

Chapter eight

The End of the Story

Sir Anthony Evans turned to me. ‘That competition was the start of wonderful things for me,’ he said. ‘I went to the College of Music for three years. Of course, I worked hard, but I enjoyed every minute. I always went back to the farm for my holidays. And one summer, when I was twenty, I asked Miss Linda Wood a very important question. “I can’t give you much, Linda,” I told her. “But one day I shall be rich and famous. Then I’ll come back again, and I’ll ask you to marry me.” She gave me a long, loving look. Then she laughed. “Oh, Anthony,” she said. “Don’t wait until you’re rich and famous. Ask me now!” So I did - and here we are!’

‘We’ve been married for sixty years. Five years ago, the Queen invited us to Buckingham Palace. I was Mr Anthony Evans when I went into the Palace. I was Sir Anthony Evans when I came out. and,’ - he took his wife’s hand. ‘my dear Linda was Lady Evans.’

There was a knock at the door of the dressing-room. ‘Two minutes, Sir Anthony’ said a voice.

The famous musician stood up. ‘I’m ready,’ he said. He turned to me.

‘How many concerts have I given? Two thousand? Three thousand? For me, every concert is new and exciting. Now go, my dear, and write your story. Tell the readers of your newspaper that I am a very lucky man.’