“I wonder whether you recognise that there are obstacles which the human will can’t negotiate?”

“I could scarcely live where I do without recognising that the grains of sand are often driven by the wind. But when there is no wind!”

“They lie still?”

“And are the desert. I want to have a strange experience.”

“What?”

“A fete in my garden.”

“A fantasia?”

“Something far more banal. A lunch party, a dejeuner. Will you honour me?”

“By breakfasting with you? Yes, of course. Thank you.”

“And will you bring—the second sun worshipper?”