said Birkin.

‘What curious notions you have of love,’ jeered Ursula.

‘And woman is the same as horses: two wills act in opposition inside her. With one will, she wants to subject herself utterly. With the other she wants to bolt, and pitch her rider to perdition.’

‘Then I’m a bolter,’ said Ursula, with a burst of laughter.

‘It’s a dangerous thing to domesticate even horses, let alone women,’ said Birkin. ‘The dominant principle has some rare antagonists.’

‘Good thing too,’ said Ursula.

‘Quite,’ said Gerald, with a faint smile. ‘There’s more fun.’