The Wren, the Wren

Carmel fails to see the charm of David, who grew up in Durham. He studied in Cambridge, where he found it difficult to fit in. Carmel can see, however, that Nell wants her to like him, so she tries for her sake.

David has an enthusiastic tendency to demonstrate his knowledge of certain subjects, though he suddenly becomes dismissive whenever someone interrupts or questions him. When he declines an offer of coffee with a simple “no,” Nell teaches him that the Irish way of declining things is to be repetitively modest. Nell suggests that Irish people tend to talk like old women, which Carmel bristles against.

David talks about his pleasant experience in Ireland and then shares details of his life teaching various subjects in Shanghai. Many of his current classes are held online, however, which means that his students mostly hail from wealthy families. David clarifies that he didn’t grow up in Durham but attended Durham School. He grew up near the English coast. Carmel notices that David tinges his attempts to boast about his posh upbringing with self-deprecation, which she considers characteristically English. When David goes to use the toilet, Nell urges Carmel to stop being rude to David. Nell threatens to leave, so Carmel apologizes and promises to be good.