‘What do you think of Rupert Birkin?’ she asked, a little reluctantly, of Gudrun. She did not want to discuss him.

‘What do I think of Rupert Birkin?’ repeated Gudrun. ‘I think he’s attractive — decidedly attractive. What I can’t stand about him is his way with other people — his way of treating any little fool as if she were his greatest consideration. One feels so awfully sold, oneself.’

‘Why does he do it?’ said Ursula.

‘Because he has no real critical faculty — of people, at all events,’ said Gudrun. ‘I tell you, he treats any little fool as he treats me or you — and it’s such an insult.’

‘Oh, it is,’