It occurred to Simon that the dome would never be the same again. This miraculous and amazing creature was going to be always there, to form part of his daily life, to swish her wonderful skirts in and out of the rooms, to—to—He did not know whether to be glad or sorry. He knew only that he was perturbed, thrown off his balance, so much so that he forgot to explain his invasion.
'Well, Simon,' said Hugo, 'had your dinner and been to the Morning Post office?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Alone?'
Simon blushed.
'No, sir.'
'Good.'
'Doctor Darcy is here, sir. Are you at home?'
Hugo had utterly forgotten about Doctor Darcy. He glanced at his wife interrogatively, but Camilla looked at the moon through the window.
'Show Doctor Darcy in in five minutes,' said Hugo.