They took a taxi to Maggie’s flat. She rang the bell and an elderly woman opened the door. ‘Nanny,’ said Maggie, ‘can you give two of us dinner? No hurry. Two hours.’

‘Soup. Grilled chops.’

‘Splendid.’

‘Good evening, Mr Morten.’

‘Good evening, Nanny.’

They came in. A bright fire and comfortable chairs. Maggie took his coat and hung it in the hall. She gave him a pretty robust drink and sat him down. ‘I’m breaking my own rule,’ she said, pouring a small one for herself. ‘During rehearsal period, no alcohol, no parties, and no nice gentlemen’s nonsense. But you’ve seen that for yourself, of course.’

‘Have I?’

‘Of course. Even supposing Dougal was a world-beater sex-wise, which I ain’t supposing, it’d be a disaster to fall for him when we’re playing The Tartans. Some people could do it. Most, I dare say, but not this lady. Luckily, I’m not tempted.’

‘Maggie?’

‘No.’

‘Promise?’

‘Of course.’

‘He doesn’t share your views?’

‘I don’t know how he feels about it. Nothing serious,’ said Maggie lightly. She added, ‘My dear Si, you can see what he’s like. Easy come, easy go.’

‘Have you – ‘ he took a pull at his drink – ‘have you discussed it?’

‘Certainly not. It hasn’t been necessary.’

‘You had dinner with him. The night there was a rehearsal.’

‘I can have dinner with someone without falling like an over-ripe apple for him.’

‘What about him, though?’

‘Simon! You’re being childish. He did not make a pass at me and if he had I’d have been perfectly well able to cope. I told you. During rehearsals I don’t have affairs. You’re pathologically jealous about nothing. Nothing at all.’

‘Maggie, I’m sorry. I’m terribly sorry. Forgive me, Maggie darling.’

‘All right. But no bedroom scenes. I told you, I’m as pure as untrodden snow while I’m rehearsing. Honestly.’

‘I believe you. Of course.’

‘Well then, do stop prowling and prowling around like the hosts of whoever-they-were in the hymn book. “Lor’,” as Mrs Boffin said, “let’s be comfortable.”’

‘All right,’ he said, and a beguiling grin transformed his face. ‘Let’s.’

‘And clean as a whistle?’

‘So be it.’

‘Then give yourself another drink and tell me what you think about the young Malcolm.’

‘The young Malcolm? It’s a difficult one, isn’t it? I think he’ll get there but it’ll take a lot of work.’

And they discussed the English scene happily and excitedly until dinner was ready.

Maggie produced a bottle of wine, the soup was real and the chops excellent.

‘How nice this is,’ said Maggie when they had finished.

‘It’s perfect.’

‘So what a Silly Simon you were to cut off your nose to spite your face, weren’t you? We’ll sit by the fire for half an hour and then you must go.’

‘If you say so.’