In 2002 we took a short break in Whitby, North Yorkshire. With us was our young puppy Midge, a charmer who managed to endear himself even to non-dog lovers. Having heard that the 'Grand Turk' (the frigate used in the 'Hornblower Series ) was in harbour we decided to take a look. Despite the overcast and humid weather, the quayside was thronged wwith holidaymakers trying to push forward for a better view. To our immediate left stood a young man of about 24 years of age. He smiled at us and Midge who had been hoisted to my husband's shoulder out of the way of the pressing crowd. We returned the smile and both began to wonder if we were seeing things: the young man wore a white linen suit and cravat and a white panama hat. He appeared to be a perfect representation of a late Victorian/early Edwardian gentlemen in summer attire. What astonished us was that none of the other holidaymakers appeared to notice him, indeed some were crowding into his personal space which he likewise appeared to ignore Now I know that there are many artists based in Whitby - but 100 years out of date! My husband and I both looked at each otheer, then returned our gaze to the young man - who simply wasn't there. Neither had seen him leave the quayside and he was so distinctive we would have spotted him even in the now diminishing crowd. We often still think about him and wonder if somehow our twp time zones had briefly merged.