‘It’s where Oreste is forced to come clean about his feelings for Hermione,’ said Harriet casually, as though she were talking about a daytime soap. ‘Oreste admits why he’s really come to see Pyrrhus; it’s not because of ambassadorial duty, but because he’s still in love with Hermione and wants her back. He wasn’t just fooling his best friend, he was fooling himself. And now they both know the truth, their mission has to change.’

‘Very good,’ Shona said, pleased that Harriet could give such a simple explanation of a complex moment. ‘But let’s dig a little deeper. Is this really just about fooling oneself? What does Pylade mean when he says “Vous me trompiez”? Is he just saying, “You tricked me, sir,” as though it was a gag between friends? Pylade is indignant, he’s upset, this is something more than a joke gone wrong. What do you think “Vous me trompiez” could mean in this context?’

’You misled me?’ asked Charlie.

’You disappointed me?’ suggested Becky.

’You deceived me,’ stated Dermot.

‘Exactly!’ said Shona triumphantly, before she registered who had said it. ‘Umm, thank you, Mr O’Connor.’ A touch flustered, she continued, ‘It’s about deception, and self-deception, a very powerful crime against a friend, and against oneself. Their honour and integrity is bound in the truth. For Oreste to self-deceive, he has been lying to himself, and so he’s been divided.’

After the double lesson had finished, Dermot helped Shona rearrange the chairs neatly around the table. ‘That was fascinating, Shona,’ he said sincerely. ‘Your enthusiasm for the text is really infectious. I think even our little cynic Imogen might have re-appraised her views about it just being a love story.’

‘She’s entitled to her opinions,’ shrugged Shona. ‘I’m not against love stories, but they’re rarely as simple as she might think.’ She began wiping the board clean with deep, efficient strokes.

‘But you think it’s a universal truth that deep hate follows deep love? Isn’t that a simplification? It sort of implies that you never really loved someone unless you hate them afterwards, that can’t be right.’

‘I don’t think I really believe that. I was probably just putting Imogen in her place. I don’t think true love turns to hate, when it goes away, I mean. I think it just …’ Shona paused in mid wipe and shook her head. ‘What am I saying? You didn’t come to my class to hear my opinions on true love …’

Tm sorry,’ said Dermot, his chair-arranging complete. He went to the door, and held it open for her.

‘What for?’ Shona asked sharply, turning to face him, wishing she hadn’t said so much.

Tor interrupting in the class. I got carried away, I couldn’t resist.’

‘Oh, that,’ Shona said, smiling. ‘You’re quite forgiven. I’m glad you felt able to participate.’