‘No. I didn’t want her. I told you. Never. And I’m sorry, I’m ashamed, I couldn’t help it, it happened, I don’t like myself… but I just couldn’t help myself. Look, Leni: I’m gravelling, grovelling … I can’t get much lower than this. It was a five minute bang with a tart, that’s all. Nothing more, it didn’t mean anything, I haven’t changed, got corrupted, any of that stuff. Remember what I said? I am just having a look round someone else’s garden. They said, “Come on in” and I did … maybe I’ll never have the chance again, so I’m taking it now. I know it’s got to end; it is, anyway, in a few days’ time. Almost over. And we’ll go away together: if that’s all right with you. Is it? Be as we were before? Can we?’

She twisted the cigarette in stubby fingers, head down. ‘It’s all right with me. If you want.’ Her voice was so low it could have been slipped under a door.

‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘I’m really sorry. I love you, you know.’

‘I know. But that boat. You won’t go now, will you?’

He looked at her steadily, touched her arm, she looked up at him, eyes clear. ‘Yes, I will go. I will, Leni. I want to go. I want to have a look. Why not? It’s huge, bigger than the Greek’s; there’s a gymnasium, staterooms, terrific engines, a cinema … I want to look. He’s asked me for a drink, that’s all.’

‘And she will be there, the woman?’

‘If she is I’ll be very polite, right? Cuckoo and Archie Charlie manners, that’s all.’

‘And if he says again about Vienna?’

‘He won’t. Bet you. If something has happened to your chum Wolf it can’t be much good for the movie, can it? Grievous doesn’t mean a cut while you’re shaving, a boil, a sprained wrist … does it? They’ve probably dumped it or something … anyway I wouldn’t; not my scene.’

‘And you won’t go away?’

‘No. Unless you want me to … I mean, yesterday?’

‘No. I don’t want you to go away. Please.’

‘Okay. We’d better be getting back.’

She collected the Army Surplus, the card and envelopes. ‘You still smell of her, you know this? Even from here.’

‘Oh Lor’…’

‘It’s an awful scent. Common.’

‘I’ll have another bath; if you won’t mind.’

‘No. As many as you want. Fifteen pence at Canteloupe Road, remember.’ It was a half laugh.

‘And bring your own plug. I know.’

‘Just so that you remember.’ She put the cards in her bag, closed it.