The hallway was very bare, the floor highly polished. A dark painting of cows and trees hung by the door. A tall woman came towards them, not smiling. ‘Mr Humphreys?’ she asked, and Edwin went with her over to the window. She had thick grey hair pulled back in a bun, and a white scar along the side of her jaw. She was listening gravely while Edwin spoke to her. At one point he took out a handkerchief – she could see the blue EH she had embroidered – and blew his nose with a soft regretful sound. A door at the back of the hallway opened; a young woman in white came through, carrying a bundle. The tall woman caught sight of her and shook her head; the young one retreated. Is it because we’re here? Narcisa wondered. She felt tired. As soon as she moved, Edwin turned quickly round, and watched till she had sat down on the far window-seat. She looked out idly at the flower-borders. There were a few yellow roses almost open, and by the porch a bed with red tulips.
