‘Of course, if you like.’ I tried to answer lightly, to make
what we were saying seem of no consequence.
I fumbled with my latch-key at the door. At last it opened, and
a shaft of light shot out on to the steps. He turned away then
and went down the steps, slowly at first and then faster. He
turned down the Square to the north, towards Holland Park Road,
and I went into the house. The hall was light and warm, and I
shut the front door behind me with relief. Upstairs in my bedroom
there was a fire. I took off my shoes and stockings and my wet
coat, and then I sat down on the hearth-rug and cried for Hugo.
He had never seemed so far away before.