John le Carré

Avery watched the lamps come up the street. He was quite young, belonging to that intermediate class of contemporary Englishman which must reconcile an Arts degree with an uncertain provenance.

He was sleek, small and very bland; a precise cat of a man, clean-shaven and groomed.

‘Oh dear,’ said Avery automatically. It was their practice in the Department: antique and understated.

There was no affectation but a spontaneous goodwill which does not seem to survive war or photographs.

Leclerc adopted his academic tone. It had a bullying quality as if facts were facts and could not be disputed

Haldane’s cold gaze held Avery for a moment, then released him, his case not forgiven but suspended.

Get in, drive around, give him the film. Oh, and pay him, please. Just the ordinary fare. It’s so easy to forget the little things.

She seemed to have no talent for independent pleasure.

Loyalty without faith. It’s very hard for you.’ She said this with total dispassion as if she had identified a social evil. The kiss was like a betrayal of her standards.

I shan’t keep you long.’ He was telling Avery he needn’t expect to stay to supper.