He continued with an enthusiasm hitherto reserved for his religion. It was easier to share, lacked aggression and made him more likeable. Charles was congratulating himself on having got through lunch without a sermon when Daniel broke off and said, ‘But the important thing is, it is all to the glory of Allah, my work. That is really why I do it. The Prophet – peace and blessings be upon Him – has given me this gift that I may work to the will of Allah to bring about a better world.’

Charles nodded, wondering whether medieval craftsmen building the monasteries might have spoken like that. More likely, perhaps, to talk about themselves in this way were seventeenth-century Puritans, scorched by enthusiasm. Beneath it all, he was beginning to feel, was a Daniel he could like, but enthusiasm – religious or political – was always a barrier to full intercourse. Acquiescing, allowing oneself to appear to share it – if only by not opposing – felt like an imposition, a demand by the enthusiast that the world conform to his or her beliefs.

He got up and cleared away the soup bowls. The search team should be finished by now. ‘Going back to your business, it must take time to build up a customer base but it sounds as if you’ve made a good start.’

‘I have a difficult decision coming up and I’m praying for guidance. I have to decide whether to carry on building up my business or whether I should travel now while the business is fairly small and return to start again later.’

‘Travel?’

‘To help other Muslims, to bring aid to the suffering.’

‘Join an aid convoy, you mean?’

‘Something like that. Not necessarily a convoy.’

‘What about Akela? You were talking of starting a family . . .’

‘That, too, that’s another complication. The resolution is in the hands of Allah. I’m praying to learn what His will is.’

He sounded like someone waiting to hear whether normal service had been resumed on the railway. Charles wanted to ask when he expected to hear but was wary of sounding frivolous. ‘Have you made any plans yet?’

‘I’m waiting for a sign.’

‘We’d better get these shelves agreed before you go, if we can.’ Daniel summarised his proposals and gave an estimate, which Charles agreed subject to confirming with Sarah that it was what she wanted. As Daniel left he paused on the doorstep.

‘Thank you for this. It’s kind of you to think of me. It may be a while before I can do it.’

‘It’s not just kindness. We need it done and we’d much rather have you around to do it than some stranger.’

‘Any good deed is a blessing. May the peace of Allah be upon you.’

They locked eyes again for a moment. Daniel’s were full and serious. Charles inclined his head. ‘Thank you, Daniel.’