Evans took the drink in one.

Thanks,' he said. Over his shoulder, Marcus saw Gwen casually disengaging herself from the group in the corner. Exchanging a word here and there as she came, she passed easily across the room till she arrived at her husband's shoulder. 'Hello, dear. Going to buy me a drink? I've got no money and I can't sponge off your friends all night.'

'Where've you been, Gwen?'

She smiled ironically. God, you're a beauty, thought Marcus. Sid, in an excess of desire to share his admiration of the sight before them, kicked him painfully on the ankle.

'Oh, I got tired of waiting, so I came on by myself.'

'But you were supposed to be coming with Dick and Joy.'

'Was I? Oh, I forgot.'

They called for you.'

Then I must have left.'

To come here? You took your time, didn't you, girl?'

'Do you want to quarrel, Arthur?'

She raised her voice just sufficiently to cut into the attention of those immediately adjacent to them. Marcus looked at Arthur. Surprisingly, he seemed to be considering the question on its merits.

Finally, calmly, 'No,' he said.

Then let's have that drink. Marcus, love, see if you can add a bit of gin to that slice of dried-up lemon which seems to be all that's left of a once-proud fruit.' 'A pleasure, ma'am,' said Marcus. 'A real pleasure.' He meant it. Two hours or so later, just after eleven, he put the lights out in the bar. Outside he could hear the din of departure. Car doors. Impatient horns. Voices. Song. As he passed the Gents, the door opened and a large figure fell out.

'Marcus,' it said.

'Ted. Christ, you certainly caught up, didn't you? Come on, old son. We'd better get you home.'

Arm in arm they walked out into the car park.

Jenny Connon opened the door to let her room-mate in.

'Hello,' said the newcomer brightly. 'Not too early, am I? It's after eleven.' 'What you really mean is, not too late, you hope. How are you, Helen?' said Antony. 'Well, must be off. See you both. 'Bye.'