Indeed, the amount of provocation that went on was quite exhausting. When we finally ended our meal and went back to the car, we fell into each others arms on the front seat with an avid apprehension that even in retrospect retains its intensity. We withdrew quickly enough, with the usual mutterings, gazing and hair-straightening.

“Come on, lets go,” I said as I buttoned up my coat. “I must get back.”

For although it was impossible for David to be back before midnight I still feared the unforeseen. So we set off back again. It seemed too late to retreat and too early to be committed. I was hazy and drunk and tired, and the big car moved along with a quiet powerful airiness. I felt suspended, cushioned, inactive; and after a while I said:

“Oh God, this is really rather frightful, have we really got to go through with all this?” and instead of asking me what I meant he said:

“Yes, I think we should, don’t you? Cheer up, its never as bad as you think it’s going to be, there are always a few consolations, you know.”

“There weren’t many last time,” I said.

“Who was last time?”

“David was last time.”

“Really? Nobody since David?”

“I haven’t had any time since David,” I said. “He’s kept me very busy. I haven’t had a night off in years.”

“I don’t believe you. The first time I set eyes on you, I said, That’s a dangerous-looking woman.”

“The first time you set eyes on me I was pregnant.”

“Excluding that occasion. I don’t count that.”

“Well, I’m glad to know I don’t look as harmless as I am.”

“What would David say if he knew where you were? You haven’t by any chance told him, have you?”

“Of course I haven’t told him. I wasn’t going to spoil my chances before I knew what my chances were. Our relationship isn’t all that sophisticated, you know.”

“I’m glad you didn’t tell him. I wouldn’t like David Evans staring at me. I wouldn’t like to get hit by David Evans. Welshmen are a rotten pugnacious lot, you know.”

“I know.”

“Does he beat you up?”

“Do you mind?” I said crossly, shifting farther away in my seat. “I’m not all that bloody feeble myself, you know.”

And after that we drove back in silence until, just before we reached the town, I suddenly and without premeditation said: