“I SUPPOSE, IF ONE must lose a finger—”
“Yes. And it had healed cleanly.”
“It hurts to think about it. I wonder what fell on it?”
“I don’t know.”
“You didn’t ask?”
“He didn’t seem inclined to talk about it. You know how he gets when there’s something he doesn’t want to talk about.”
“Yes. A lot like you.”
“Meaning?”
“There’s a lot you aren’t telling me, isn’t there?”
“I suppose. Not deliberately—at least not yet. Later, there may be things I’d sooner not discuss. But if I told you everything I remember as I remember it, we’d still be here—”
“I understand. Hmmm.”
“What is it?”
“I was just thinking how pleased he’d be if he knew we were spending a whole afternoon just talking about him.”
“I shan’t tell him.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Should I go on?”
“Let’s order some more tea first.”
“Very well.”