I asked the concierge on the way to breakfast this morning and she said the work had only started a few days ago and will take two months to complete. She herself volunteeered that it felt very strange to be sitting at the same desk with the lounge at a considerable distance away up the stairs.

Incidentally, a tip for those who like croissants. Mrs. Fredd tried one this morning and to her delight it was not some sweetened pastry but a genuine croissant au beurre that equaled any we've enjoyed in France. ^