she repeated, in a sullen voice of antagonism.

‘You heard what was asked you, didn’t you?’ cried her father in anger.

‘Of course I heard.’

‘Well then, can’t you answer?’ thundered her father.

‘Why should I?’

At the impertinence of this retort, he went stiff. But he said nothing.

‘No,’ said Birkin, to help out the occasion, ‘there’s no need to answer at once. You can say when you like.’

Her eyes flashed with a powerful light.

‘Why should I say anything?’ she cried. ‘You do this off your OWN bat, it has nothing to do with me. Why do you both want to bully me?’