‘I call that very nice,’ said Diva. ‘He didn’t find that easy to write!’

‘And I don’t find it very easy to forgive him,’ retorted Elizabeth.

‘Elizabeth, you must make an effort,’ said Diva energetically. ‘Tilling society will all fly to smithereens if we don’t take care. You and Lucia have come back from the dead, so that’s a very good opportunity for showing a forgiving spirit and beginning again. He really can’t say more than he has said.’

‘Nor could he possibly, if he’s a soldier, a Christian and a gentleman, have said less,’ observed Elizabeth.

‘No, but he’s done the right thing.’

Elizabeth rose and had one more peep out of the window.

‘I forgive him,’ she said. ‘I shall ask him to tea tomorrow.’