An Ordinary Melbourne Evening, Earlier That Year   A Carlton bank clerk, back from work, is turning through the Argus, his new wife, maidless, at the stove.   There’s been a drawn-out hug between them, foreshadowing the bedroom later. Neither is an expert but   they know about diplomacy away up there in Europe and all those foreign ministers   in tails and tie with sash and medals pronouncing at the grand receptions or busy with their secretaries   on trains between the capitals while brushing up their French. She’s seen the jigsaw done with Europe,   the lurch-by-lurch alliances…