"Would you like to come to Crawleigh for Easter?"
He went through the same ceremonial with a second cutlet and then said, without looking up:
"I shall be going to my people for Easter."
Barbara raised her eyebrows and turned half away.
"I apologize," she murmured.
"Why?"
"For bothering you with unwelcome invitations."
This time there was no hesitation, though Jack was conscious that his voice and lips were unsteady.
"It doesn't do much good, does it?" he asked with a lop-sided smile.