‘I don’t believe he will,’ the child asserted, mockingly, and she moved away into the drive. Gudrun watched the isolated figure, and her heart stood still. Winifred was playing with a little rivulet of water, absorbedly as if nothing had been said.

‘I’ve made a proper dam,’ she said, out of the moist distance.

Gerald came to the door from out of the hall behind.

‘It is just as well she doesn’t choose to believe it,’ he said.

Gudrun looked at him. Their eyes met; and they exchanged a sardonic understanding.

‘Just as well,’ said Gudrun.

He looked at her again, and a fire flickered up in his eyes.