said Gudrun. Her extreme ironic loathing and apprehension was very trying to Ursula.

‘We needn’t stay,’ she said.

‘I certainly shan’t stay five minutes among that little lot,’ said Gudrun. They advanced nearer, till they saw policemen at the gates.

‘Policemen to keep you in, too!’ said Gudrun. ‘My word, this is a beautiful affair.’

‘We’d better look after father and mother,’ said Ursula anxiously.

‘Mother’s PERFECTLY capable of getting through this little celebration,’ said Gudrun with some contempt.

But Ursula knew that her father felt uncouth and angry