well imagine the atmosphere in the kitchen at this moment."

 

An impatient look crossed my father's face.

 

"But is everything in hand?" he said again.

 

"Yes, I dare say you can rest assured on that.

 

I'm very glad Father is feeling better."

 

With some deliberation, he withdrew his arms from under the bedclothes and gazed

tiredly at the backs of his hands. He continued to do this for some time.

 

"I'm glad Father is feeling so much better," I said again eventually. "Now

really, I'd best be getting back. As I say, the situation is rather volatile."

 

He went on looking at his hands for a moment.

 

Then he said slowly: "I hope I've been a good father to you."

 

I laughed a little and said: "I'm so glad you're feeling better now."

 

"I'm proud of you. A good son. I hope I've been a good father to you. I suppose

I haven't."