He stretched out his arms handsomely.

‘Yes,’ said Birkin. ‘I don’t know why one should have to justify oneself.’

‘No.’

The two men began to dress.

‘I think also that you are beautiful,’ said Birkin to Gerald, ‘and that is enjoyable too. One should enjoy what is given.’

‘You think I am beautiful — how do you mean, physically?’ asked Gerald, his eyes glistening.

‘Yes. You have a northern kind of beauty, like light refracted from snow — and a beautiful, plastic form. Yes, that is there to enjoy as well. We should enjoy everything.’