He was standing in a field across from the house at four in the morning when the Lada pulled in. He waited where he was, watching. She entered the house running. Jack watched the order in which the lights came on. First the kitchen, then the bathroom, and lastly her room.

He entered the house and stamped involuntarily into the bedroom.

“Where the hell were you?”

“I could ask you the same.”

“I rang.”

“I heard.”

“I was demented.”

“I was working till late. I could not get back.” She sounded practical and at ease. “They’ve called me back for a third test in the morning.” He said nothing. “The least you could do is congratulate me. They’re even sending a car. If I get the third test the part is mine.”

“Fucking great, Catherine.”

“Jack, if you are going to act like that, I’d prefer if you slept elsewhere.”

“You wicked bitch.”

“I want to sleep now. And I’d like to remind you that this is my house, do you understand?”

“I understand perfectly.”

He started in the bedroom. He moved his clothes into a heap on the floor, then he carried them out to the kitchen. He went back and switched off Catherine’s light. Then he went into the study and collected his books. He piled them beside his clothes. Lastly he carried in his typewriter.

He sat down and took a drink. He tried to think of some coherent plan. He lay down on the sofa.

He became aware of her standing in her nightdress watching him.

“Don’t go, Jack.”

“I should never have come here,” said Jack. “This is your house. It’s madness, fucking madness.”

“Please stay,” she cried. “Don’t leave me. I mean it.”

He looked into the fire.

“Please come to bed.”

“No.” He stood up and faced her. They stayed like that, a long time, in silence.

“I had to stay overnight,” said Catherine.

“Why didn’t you come home?”

“I was drinking. I was too drunk to drive.”

“Who were you drinking with?”

“Oh, just a couple of the crew.”

“I thought you couldn’t stand the crew. As far as you were concerned a few days ago they were all buffoons.”

“I was seeking sympathy from them. The sympathy I can’t get from you. At least they’re civilized.”

“Men or women?”

“A man and a woman, actually,” she said guardedly. “They were very supportive.”

“I know you were with someone,” he said. “I always know. The other day you talk about breaking the vow you’d wanted me to keep. The night before last you don’t come home. Now you’re out till all hours. I know you were with someone,” he said.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“That makes it even worse.”