ATDTDA (18): A journey into dodgy terrain, 496-497

[Paul Nightingale]

Time passing, Yashmeen returns to London and the TWIT. Previous sections in
this chapter have had little regard for time and place, the emphasis on
dialogue. This section therefore functions as a summary. Returning, Yashmeen
"immediately notice[s], if not exactly a divergence between the TWIT, at
least a growing impatience ..." etc: hence a sensitivity to change, a
recognition that she has not in fact 'gone back', if by that we mean to what
she left. By implication, the "idiot-infested summer soirees" compare
unfavourably with Cambridge.

On 492-493 Capsheaf suggested that Cyprian bury himself in work; here,
Yashmeen "seclude[s] herself in the upper room with a number of mathematical
texts ..." etc (496). Cf. also Kit to Colfax on 319: "Too busy."

This section also deals with the Ns' return to London, specifically
Limehouse (496); and Cyprian's return, in stark contrast, to Knightsbridge
(497). We are given some of Cyprian's back-story, his 'failure' in Paris.
Cf. Scarsdale Vibe's testing of Colfax on 157. Not least, Cyprian's
'suitability' for Cambridge is based on a judgement of his nature; whereas
the context, "a major account ... with the Hotel Alsace" (497), refers to
the family business and what has been achieved as they rise above their
circumstances (ie 'make money'). Previously, Cyprian was seen to be an
outsider in Cambridge, dismissed by Times 3 on 494; here, he has been
rejected by his family, and now leaves for Berlin "to everyone's mutual
relief" (497). Both Yashmeen and Cyprian, then, find a way of escaping
London for the continent