Lorena’s own phone rang. She answered it at once. "Yes? What? Oh dear. Oh dear . And how is Alcott taking the news? Oh, poor dear. Oh, this is very sad. You’re quite sure? Really? All right. Thank you very much." Lorena paused. "Would you like to talk to Oscar Valparaiso about this? He happens to be here for tea. No? Very well, then." She hung up.