Three Great Novels (62 page)

BOOK: Three Great Novels

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‘But it shouldn’t be,’ she replied, turning to her father. ‘If we are to stand for anything, we have to preserve our standards and morals whatever the price. The only way we can argue for our system and beliefs is if we are utterly rigorous with ourselves as well as other people. We have to make sacrifices not to become like the other side.’

Her father looked at Harland, who spoke. ‘It’s a matter of weighing the lesser of two evils. You were there and you had to make a decision. Besides, Khan went along with it. As a result he will soon be a free man, and can rebuild his life. That’s all you need to take from this.’

‘The question is, would I have done it anyway - without his cooperation?’ She paused and put her hand up to her father who was about to interrupt. ‘And the answer is yes, I would.’

Munroe tapped his daughter on the hand. ‘Enough of this,’ he said. ‘Now, let’s think about what we’re going to order so we can get back on the water as soon as possible. The conditions are perfect and there’s a bit of a breeze coming up.’

Herrick looked out over the slate grey loch but her mind was still in the Empire State.