’

Gerald thought for a few minutes. Then he said:

‘At all events, father won’t make her feel like a private servant. He will be fussy and greatful enough.’

‘So he ought. And so ought all of you. Do you think you can hire a woman like Gudrun Brangwen with money? She is your equal like anything — probably your superior.’

‘Is she?’ said Gerald.

‘Yes, and if you haven’t the guts to know it, I hope she’ll leave you to your own devices.’

‘Nevertheless,’ said Gerald, ‘if she is my equal, I wish she weren’t a teacher, because I don’t think teachers as a rule are my equal.’