gone after women — and been keen enough over some of them. But I’ve never felt LOVE. I don’t believe I’ve ever felt as much LOVE for a woman, as I have for you — not LOVE. You understand what I mean?’

‘Yes. I’m sure you’ve never loved a woman.’

‘You feel that, do you? And do you think I ever shall? You understand what I mean?’ He put his hand to his breast, closing his fist there, as if he would draw something out. ‘I mean that — that I can’t express what it is, but I know it.’

‘What is it, then?’ asked Birkin.

‘You see, I can’t put it into words. I mean, at any rate, something abiding, something that can’t