Gerald laughed in his throat, and said:

‘That’s certainly one way of looking at it. I can say this much, I feel better. It has certainly helped me. Is this the Bruderschaft you wanted?’

‘Perhaps. Do you think this pledges anything?’

‘I don’t know,’ laughed Gerald.

‘At any rate, one feels freer and more open now — and that is what we want.’

‘Certainly,’ said Gerald.

They drew to the fire, with the decanters and the glasses and the food.

‘I always eat a little before I go to bed,’ said Gerald. ‘I sleep better.’