The Monster Trilogy. Brian Aldiss

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      ‘You’re a dear feller, sure you are.’ He shook Bodenland’s hand warmly. ‘It’s a brave decision you’ve made.’

      Mrs Stoker ran up, casting her embroidery hoop on the carpet, and kissed him on the cheek.

      ‘I don’t want you getting my husband into trouble, now, but you spoke up like a man – like a soldier. We shall drink a sherry now, to toast you.’

      ‘And we’ll have a cigar,’ said Stoker. ‘At least, I will.’

      This response excited Joe into a less lethargic state.

      ‘We won’t delay. I may be no Christian, but this is a kind of Christian quest.’ As he spoke, he took a New Testament from a side table and waved it aloft as if in proof. ‘We start tomorrow.’

      ‘And we prepare tonight,’ said Stoker, through his cigar.

      When Stoker was out of the room, his wife came to Bodenland’s side.

      ‘My dear father was full of wisdom – as befitted a man who was a Lieutenant Colonel and served in the Crimea. One thing he told me was that many impossible things happen. The important thing is to decide which impossible things to believe and which not to.’

      ‘Sound advice, ma’am.’

      ‘My father’s advice was always sound. I’m undecided as yet about your impossibilities, but I’d like to ask you, if I may – supposing it were somehow possible to venture into the future, as one ventures into London – would I be able to establish if dear Bram’s latest novel will be a success?’ She laughed, as if thinking it was a silly question for a colonel’s daughter to ask.