She forced herself to maintain her bright calm.

‘I do see, perfectly. Then we come to my other point. Would you be prepared to give me a testimonial?’

‘Certainly. Why not? But I should hate to have to do so. I have a far better suggestion. Miss Halstead doesn’t want to live in the house. You have no home. I think you should remain here. When you feel fully restored, you can look in at the school when you wish, make yourself responsible for some undemanding classes, three or four times a week, if that would give you pleasure and interest; but let Miss Halstead carry on until Christmas at least. That would give us time to think things over. What do you say to that?’

It was a suggestion exactly in accord with her wishes, but something – and there was no name for it – whispered that too eager an acceptance would be unwise.

‘I don’t think I could do that, much as I appreciate such a generous proposal. It would put me so deeply in your debt; and I should feel so very useless.’

‘Don’t forget’ – he bit the end from a cheese straw and regarded what remained with some attention – ‘don’t forget that you were injured on school premises, while in the school’s service, and by a piece of school property. If you liked to take action against me, you could probably claim some enormous compensation – especially if you could prove impaired memory.’

‘What will you think of next? In any case, I’m sure it was entirely my own fault. I couldn’t have fixed the little wedge properly.’

‘It was very worn. The wonder is that the accident hadn’t happened before. I’m not saying this to persuade you one way or the other, Miss Mayfield. It is simple fact. I am to blame for all you have suffered. And nothing I could ever do would make up for it.’

‘Are you certain that you are not saying this to ease my mind about staying and not really doing much work?’