There had been a split in the Cabinet; the minister for Education had resigned owing to adverse criticism. This started a conversation on education.

‘Of course,’ said Hermione, lifting her face like a rhapsodist, ‘there CAN be no reason, no EXCUSE for education, except the joy and beauty of knowledge in itself.’ She seemed to rumble and ruminate with subterranean thoughts for a minute, then she proceeded: ‘Vocational education ISN’T education, it is the close of education.’

Gerald, on the brink of discussion, sniffed the air with delight and prepared for action.

‘Not necessarily,’ he said. ‘But isn’t education really like gymnastics, isn’t the end of education the production of a well-trained, vigorous, energetic mind?’