He showed the message to Diana. ‘It seems strange coming back from that to this,’ he said. ‘Perhaps it’s as well there should be contrasts.’ ‘This is the kind of thing that makes me hate myself.’ ‘We all have to hate ourselves at times.’ ‘At those times it’s a relief to me to have you down the passage.’ ‘It’s a relief to me.’ ‘I say to myself pretty often, “I couldn’t stand this place if it weren’t for Diana.” ’ ‘Please go on saying that.’ There was a warm look in her eyes. His whole being was flooded with peace and beauty. ‘Are you lunching anywhere?’ he asked. ‘I’d planned to boil an egg at home.’ ‘Why not a steak at Sa’ad’s instead?’ ‘That sounds a very nice idea.’ After lunch he said, ‘You’ve never seen my flat. Don’t you think it’s time you did.’ ‘I do, most certainly.’ ‘We’ve two hours before our office opens.’ ‘We have.’ ‘Is there any reason why we shouldn’t go round there now?’ ‘I can’t think of one.’ * * Reid found Madame Amin in the liveliest good humour.
What do You think about The Mule On The Minaret (1965)?
