The Shortest Way to Hades

by Sarah Caudwell

  In a work of fiction it would be customary and elegant to conclude the narrative with a brief summary of the subsequent lives and fortunes of those who had figured in it. The historian of Truth is, alas, denied this attractive expedient: the events which I have described are too recent for those concerned to have progressed much further in their careers; and, if they had, I am not so well acquainted with the family as to make it certain that I would know of it.

  I did read in The Times some weeks ago of the death of Lady Remington-Fiske: it was mentioned that Lucian would inherit the family estates. I have also seen a moderately favorable review of his first novel, and his sister’s marriage to a Greek fisherman has attracted some attention in the gossip column of the Scuttle.

  Following an investigation by the Department of Trade into the affairs of Galloway Opportunities Limited, there was talk of a prosecution; but it was decided, I am told, that in view of his tragic bereavement Rupert should be treated with lenience.

  It proved unnecessary for Sebastian or myself to put ourselves to any trouble on behalf of Leonidas: he submitted excellent papers in the entrance examinations and is now reading Law at Balliol. I do my best, when he comes to me for tutorials in legal history, to forget how close he came to cutting my throat. He intends, when he is qualified, to accept Julia’s offer of a pupillage: it is to be hoped that by then the passage of time will have qualified the beauty of his profile or the warmth of Julia’s ardor, but at present I am bound to say that there is no sign of it.

  Sebastian is working with enthusiasm on his translation of the work of Constantine Demetriou, and they correspond a good deal. He seems to think, however, that it will be some time before they meet again: Selena prefers to sail in other waters than the Ionian Sea.