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being put on from guile or from uncertainty.
    â€œI’ve been very disappointed, to be frank with you, because they were both very interested in science back in Tipton—that’s where we’ve come from—especially Ted. And, not to put too fine a point on it, it hasn’t been maintained.”
    â€œWell,” said Andy carefully, “it’s always useful to identify someone with a special interest in the subject. Ted Bellingham, you said. He’s in 4A, isn’t he?”
    Andy knew perfectly well who Ted Bellingham was, and which class he was in. He had put names and forms to Ted and Colin on his first day at North Radley High.
    â€œThat’s right. We moved here a matter of months ago. I hear you’re from Bly. Need a lift home?”
    Andy involuntarily stiffened. So he was known not just to the boys but to their father. It was also known that he had no car. He tried to relax. There were several children from Bly at North Radley High. His reputation in the village was something he was going to have to live down.
    â€œThanks very much, but I’m fixed up for a lift. About Ted’s interest in science—”
    â€œWell, I wouldn’t want to pretend he has any special aptitude. We’ll hopehe goes in that direction, but so far it’s been mainly what you might call a practical bent. Engineer rather than scientist, if you get my meaning.”
    â€œI do, of course.”
    â€œThey’re not great brains, my Ted and Colin, but they’re bright enough boys. Your sister-in-law has been good enough to take an interest in them this last week or so.”
    â€œAh.”
    Andy was glad the man had brought the subject up, because if he hadn’t he had certainly intended introducing it himself. He could not stand by and see what happened to him and Thea happen to another family.
    â€œGood of her, as I say. Because their mother—I don’t want to tell tales out of school, but it’s the truth—she seems to have given up on them entirely. Move seems to have taken it out of her . . . or something. So Mrs Perceval’s interest has made up for that. Some kind of writer, isn’t she?”
    â€œLydia writes rather well-thought-of biographies. She—”
    â€œNot really my boys’ line, but her interest is much appreciated. Well, I’ll not take up your time—”
    â€œMr Bellingham—” Andy put a restraining hand on his arm. “Lydia is a very intelligent woman, and probably well-meaning in her way, but she is rather dominating.”
    â€œOh, I’ve no fear of them being dominated. My boys are just normal lads, but strong-minded in their way. If there’s anything of that sort they’ll just stop going. No, as I say, I’m grateful for the interest.”
    â€œI think you should take this seriously, Mr Bellingham. When I say dominating I don’t mean that she would boss them around. I mean that she would dominate their lives. Lydia has no children of her own, and she does tend to take over other people’s and edge out the real parents. I think you should warn their mother.”
    â€œAh—if only I could! If only I could get through to her. But I’ll keep my eye on things, Mr Hoddle, don’t you fret. And keep my boys at it—hard work never killed anyone.”
    And he was gone with a raised hand. The man thinks in clichés, thought Andy bitterly. Well, if I can’t warn the father, what can I do? Warn the boys? That would really lead to a bust-up with Lydia! And would the boys take notice of an elderly teacher with a drink problem, in preference to a sophisticated writer with a world reputation? They would smile and nod and do exactly as they felt like doing.
    Later, in The Wheatsheaf with Thea and his colleague Angela Broadbent, he said:
    â€œI tried to warn the father of the Bellingham boys about Lydia, but he didn’t want to know.”
    â€œIs