said Ursula. ‘It is purely destructive.’

‘It is, isn’t it!’

Hermione looked long and slow at Ursula, seeming to accept confirmation from her. Then the two women were silent. As soon as they were in accord, they began mutually to mistrust each other. In spite of herself, Ursula felt herself recoiling from Hermione. It was all she could do to restrain her revulsion.

They returned to the men, like two conspirators who have withdrawn to come to an agreement. Birkin looked up at them. Ursula hated him for his cold watchfulness. But he said nothing.

‘Shall we be going?’ said Hermione. ‘Rupert, you are coming to Shortlands to dinner? Will you come at once, will you come now, with us?’