‘Liked anyone?’
‘A boy, I mean.’
‘Why, of course, Edward——’
‘Oh, not your brother.’ Sheila waved an impatient hand. ‘Have you never been....’
‘Do you mean in love?’ asked Hypatia, in some surprise.
‘Well, yes, in love.’
‘No.’ Hypatia shook her head, firmly, but without the scorn that Sheila had half-expected to see. ‘I never have. Why do you ask?’
‘Oh, I just wondered.’
For a moment Hypatia contemplated a distant ship. ‘Look at the sun on that sail,’ she said.... ‘Have you ever been?’
Sheila nodded, scrutinizing closely a smooth white stone she had dug up with her fingers from the chalky soil.