I called on Michael at his house and carefully did not—or did not quite—ask for his permission for my scheme. At the same time, I did not want to appear to step between him and his daughter even in this small way. Instead, I came as chairman emeritus of the family company he now controls, and asked for a leave of absence to teach myself the mysteries of computing: a properly businesslike and inevitable first encounter after our dispute. It was something he had been plaguing me to do, though I think he had despaired of it ever actually happening. He played along, and asked if I should like him to arrange tuition. I said yes, in the fullness of time I should like that very much, but for my first steps I had hoped for a familial introduction in case the whole thing was too embarrassing and impossible for me to continue. Spare my blushes, I said: do you think Annabel would give me some time?