'A simple remedy then would be not to look at him,' said Laurent mildly, draining the last of his water. Nicaise was eating - under the circumstances it might be the best that he could hope for, and Laurent pushed back his chair.

'Perhaps you and I could speak alone,' he said to Damen, indicating a corner of the living room. 'Nicaise, eat. When you are finished with that you may have the chocolate.'