Gilbert smiled at his son-in-law. ‘You see design in the world, Lye – purpose, laws of cause and effect, the meshing of gears as events roll forward to their destination.’

‘Do I?’

‘I have no doubt of it.’

‘And am I wrong?’

‘You may not be. Perhaps you have a subtler eye than some of us.’

Lionel said, ‘Subtlety is the last quality I could claim, or that anyone would be likely to grant me. In other words, you’re saying I am naïve.’

‘No, not naïve. Your outlook is framed by hope.’

He said bitterly, ‘Not at the moment.’

‘The idea of a son meant a very great deal to you? It did to me once, though perhaps for different reasons. But your present unhappiness is not the point.’

‘I envy your detachment.’

‘No,’ Gilbert said, ‘you don’t. That is the point.’