Rachaela tired of the stupid wardership to school. She sent Ruth off alone and followed her. No one other than herself pursued or accosted Ruth.

A sense of apathy overcame Rachaela.

The man would probably persist, he had done so before, but there were always people about. He could not abduct Ruth, even assuming he had instructions to do so, which seemed unlikely.

Rachaela did not care. I do not care. It was up to Ruth. For Ruth was still a burden. She must still be fed and clothed, and soon a decision must be made about a secondary school, with its uniform and other details. Ruth would become more of a problem as she grew older. For how long would Rachaela have to go on sharing her life with this being? She had got used to Ruth, that was all. It was not satisfactory.

On the street. Walk quietly and listen.

Who was this coming from a doorway? Only an old man with a bag.

Turning the corner, oversee each gap in the walls. Was anyone there?

Upstairs, Ruth not home. Go to the window in the dark, and see.

What was that?

Only a man in an anorak.

Where was Ruth? Round at this Ludle’s?

There she was on the stairs now. Key in the door.

Mrs Mantini said, ‘You do more looking out of that window than cleaning it.’

Who was that standing across from the shop, black overcoat, perhaps a woollen hat.

‘This customer wants serving, Rachaela.’

He had gone now.

But he would not be following or watching her. This necklace is fifteen pounds.’

There was a frost of green on the trees. Still some light in the sky.

Ruth sat at the table eating bread and jam.

‘Why didn’t you wait? You’ll be having dinner in twenty minutes.’

‘I was hungry. Tea’s always late now.’

‘You’re usually late.’

‘I go to Lucile’s.’

Rachaela faced Ruth. ‘Have you seen that man again?’

‘Yes.’

‘I told you to tell me.’

‘He didn’t do anything. He didn’t speak to me.’

‘Where was he?’

‘Outside the gates.’

‘The school gates?’

‘Yes. He just stood there, and I came out and he didn’t move. Lucile thought he was funny.’

‘Don’t tell Lucile who he is.’

‘I didn’t tell Lucile anything. She said look at that funny old man.’

If she was with Lucile, he would not approach her—was that it? Perhaps the liaison with Lucile was a good thing.

Rachaela, at the window, scanned the street. He was there. Across the road, beneath a lamp just now turning candy red. There to be seen, showing himself. ‘Stay here,’ she said to Ruth.

She ran down through the house and dashed out into the street. The Scarabae agent was gone.

Above, Ruth’s white face looked down on her from the window. Impartially.