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He opened his murderous eyes on the woman. She looked concerned.

'I'm sorry, he said, stiff and sullen, 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean…

'It's all right, she said, and laid her two red hands on his crossed quivering forearms. She took his two wrists, and laid his arms gently down by his sides. 'Don't take on, she said, 'it's all right, it's all right, son.

The tense rejection of his flesh caused her to take a step back from him. But there she stood her ground and said: 'Now look, son, there's no point taking on like that, well, is there? I mean to say, you've got to take the rough with the smooth, and there's no other way of looking at it.

She waited, facing him, troubled but sure of herself.

After a while Charlie said: 'Yes, I suppose you're right.

She nodded and smiled, and went back into the compartment. After a moment, Charlie followed her.