‘My family is very emotional. They feel everything most deeply. The funny thing about that,’ said Thomas, ‘is that they really do feel deeply. They really are sensitive, only people are inclined to think nobody could really be as sensitive as they seem to be, so that’s hard luck on the family.’ Thomas took off his spectacles and gazed at Troy with short-sighted innocence. ‘Except,’ he added, ‘that they have the satisfaction of knowing that they are so much more sensitive than any one else. That’s a point that might interest you.’

‘Mr Ancred,’ Troy said patiently, ‘I am on leave because I’ve not been well—’

‘Indeed? You look all right. What’s the matter with you?’

‘A carbuncle,’ said Troy angrily.

‘Really?’ said Thomas clucking his tongue. ‘How sickening for you.’

‘—and in consequence I’m not at the top of my form. A commission of the sort mentioned in your sister-in-law’s letter would take at least three weeks’ intensive work. The letter gives me a week.’

‘How long is your leave?’

Troy bit her lips. ‘That’s not the point,’ she said. ‘The point is—’

‘I had a carbuncle once. You feel better if you keep on with your job. Less depressed. Mine,’ said Thomas proudly, ‘was on my bottom. Now that is awkward.’ He looked inquiringly at Troy, who by this time, according to her custom, was sitting on the hearth-rug. ‘Obviously,’ Thomas continued, ‘yours—’

‘It’s on my hip. It’s very much better—’

‘Well, then—’

‘—but that’s not the point. Mr Ancred, I can’t accept this commission. My husband is coming home after three years’ absence—’

‘When?’ Thomas asked instantly.

‘As far as we know in three weeks,’ said Troy, wishing she could bring herself to lie freely to her visitor. ‘But one can never tell. It might be sooner.’

‘Well, of course Scotland Yard will let you know about that, won’t they. Because, I mean, he’s pretty high up, isn’t he? Supposing you did go to Ancreton, they could ring you up there just as well as here.’

‘The point is,’ Troy almost shouted, ‘I don’t want to paint your father as Macbeth. I’m sorry to put it so bluntly, but I just don’t.’

‘I told them you wouldn’t,’ said Thomas complacently. ‘The Bathgates thought they knew better.’

‘The Bathgates? Do you mean Nigel and Angela Bathgate?’

‘Who else? Nigel and I are old friends. When the family started all this business I went to see him and asked if he thought you’d do it. Nigel said he knew you were on leave, and he thought it would be nice for you.’

‘He knows nothing whatever about it.’

‘He said you liked meeting queer people. He said you’d revel in Papa as a subject and gloat over his conversation. It only shows you how little we understand our friends, doesn’t it?’

‘Yes,’ said Troy, ‘it does.’