muriel was a hairdresser. she started work when the war was on still, and she worked for the same firm. it was the only hairdressing firm in the city of london. she left school when she was 13, 14. 14. as you did in those days. i was 14 on the friday, and i started work on the monday. after the war, they were kept apart by cyril's national service in the raf. and for a time, their engagement was called off. and i had a phone call, and it was muriel. "cyril, i'd like to come back again with you, would you mind?" i said, i'll meet you tonight! i'd already got a date with one of the girls at haringey. and when she phoned me, i knew straightaway, that's it. no good mucking about with other young girls, and there it went.