‘This is the study,’ said Hermione. ‘Rupert, I have a rug that I want you to have for here. Will you let me give it to you? Do — I want to give it you.’

‘What is it like?’ he asked ungraciously.

‘You haven’t seen it. It is chiefly rose red, then blue, a metallic, mid-blue, and a very soft dark blue. I think you would like it. Do you think you would?’

‘It sounds very nice,’ he replied. ‘What is it? Oriental? With a pile?’

‘Yes. Persian! It is made of camel’s hair, silky. I think it is called Bergamos — twelve feet by seven — . Do you think it will do?’

‘It would DO,’ he said.