Chapter 5 Summary

The twins, Henrietta and Edward, are with their mother, Paula, in her room. Edward tells his mother that she has received a letter and asks if he might have the stamp from it. He tells her that it is Australian. They go downstairs to the rosewood table where letters are always placed. Edward removes a book he has placed on the letter so that Henrietta could not see the stamp. Paula sees that the letter is from Eric. She tears the letter out of the envelope with trembling hands and gives the envelope to Edward. She puts the letter in her pocket and goes outside.

"She bowed her head, making a movement as if she were casting a veil about it, and bolted across the lawn and into the meadow and along the path beside the hawthorn hedge which led down towards the...