Paul's sparkling production of The King and I was coming to a close. He had little to do now except give notes every night to the cast. So we enjoyed ourselves and relaxed. After the curtain had fallen for the last time the entire cast and crew were invited aboard a lovely houseboat and we cruised slowly down the river. Lavish food and drinks were offered and the summer night was perfect.
Although that lovely night was over fifty years ago, it remains with me still in all its grace and beauty. It was as if we were separated from the world; noise and clamor could not touch us here. I wanted to float down that peaceful river forever, breathing in the sweet night air. I smiled at Paul.
We left Monroe the next day and most of my memories of that time have faded. But the romance of drifting slowly through the water under the stars is still fresh.
