We were allowed ‘out’ three times each term: twice for a Sunday, once for a whole weekend. 

[…] 

After my very first outing from Swanbourne, I pressed my mother to stay for Sunday evensong.  First she said no.  Then, against her better instincts, she said yes. […] 

My mother stood near the back of the congregation and I took my place in the choir.  Then Mr Evans, who looked almost as much like a giraffe as a human, announced ‘Hymn 25.  The day Thou gavest …’

‘The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended …’  The one day between now and half-term, three whole weeks ahead.  Almost one month. 

As I sang, my throat tightened, my eyeballs grew hot, and then two fat tears lolloped onto my hymnbook. 

Later, I sneaked a look at my mother, and she smiled and nodded.  Her eyes were bright with tears.  And she never stayed for evensong again.