I went up to the house that evening at about seven and came in through the terrace door, which was unlocked, because it has been unlocked since 1971.

Thaddeus was in the library with a fire going, which was the one extravagance in that house.

I said, “You called Harold.”

He did not turn his head.

“It wasn’t my choice.”

“He cut my credit.

I lost a three-hundred-dollar job.”

And my father said: “Your mother wants this resolved.