‘I knew you’d say something like that,’ laughed Gerald, rather uneasily.

‘Did you?’

‘Yes, Rupert. It wouldn’t do for us all to be like you are — we should soon be in the cart. When I am above the world, I shall ignore all businesses.’

‘Of course, we’re not in the cart now,’ said Birkin, satirically.

‘Not as much as you make out. At any rate, we have enough to eat and drink — ’

‘And be satisfied,’ added Birkin.

Gerald came near the bed and stood looking down at Birkin whose throat was exposed, whose tossed hair fell attractively on the warm brow, above