‘He kept on saying that–and we called you that for quite a long time–the Goods! Oh, Terry, you were such a darling of a puppy, with your little head on one side, wagging your absurd tail! And Michael went away to France and I had you–the darlingest dog in the world. You read all Michael’s letters with me, didn’t you? You’d sniff them, and I’d say–“From Master,” and you’d understand. We were so happy–so happy. You and Michael and I. And now Michael’s dead, and you’re old, and I–I’m so tired of being brave.’

Terry licked her.

‘You were there when the telegram came. If it hadn’t been for you, Terry–if I hadn’t had you to hold on to…’

She stayed silent for some minutes.

‘And we’ve been together ever since–been through all the ups and downs together–there have been a lot of downs, haven’t there? And now we’ve come right up against it. There are only Michael’s aunts, and they think I’m all right. They don’t know he gambled that money away. We must never tell anyone that. I don’t care–why shouldn’t he? Everyone has to have some fault. He loved us both, Terry, and that’s all that matters. His own relations were always inclined to be down on him and to say nasty things. We’re not going to give them the chance. But I wish I had some relations of my own. It’s very awkward having no relations at all.

‘I’m so tired, Terry–and remarkably hungry. I can’t believe I’m only twenty-nine–I feel sixty-nine. I’m not really brave–I only pretend to be. And I’m getting awfully mean ideas. I walked all the way to Ealing yesterday to see Cousin Charlotte Green. I thought if I got there at half past twelve she’d be sure to ask me to stop to lunch. And then when I got to the house, I felt it was too cadging for anything. I just couldn’t. So I walked all the way back. And that’s foolish. You should be a determined cadger or else not even think of it. I don’t think I’m a strong character.’

Terry groaned again and put a black nose into Joyce’s eye.

‘You’ve got a lovely nose still, Terry–all cold like ice cream. Oh, I do love you so! I can’t part from you. I can’t have you “put away”, I can’t…I can’t…I can’t…’

The warm tongue licked eagerly.

‘You understand so, my sweet. You’d do anything to help Missus, wouldn’t you?’

Terry clambered down and went unsteadily to a corner. He came back holding a battered bowl between his teeth.

Joyce was midway between tears and laughter.