Gilly was surprised to see Mac walking towards him. Usually Mac had no time for anyone any more but tonight there was the return of a slight light in his rheumy eyes.

‘I need a haircut, old friend,’ said Mac. ‘And a shave too if there is the hot water.’

‘There is,’ smiled Gilly. ‘We have plenty of that and lamb stew for later this evening.’

‘I’ll start with the hair,’ replied Mac and then paused. ‘She will return, you know. She will.’

Gilly tried hard not to look concerned.

‘But what if she doesn’t?’

‘She will,’ said Mac. ‘She will.’