‘It’s right for them — there’s nothing else for them.’

‘Very well,’ said Birkin, ‘you offer it to them. I’ll watch.’

Ursula went rather nervously to the young couple, who were discussing an iron washstand — or rather, the man was glancing furtively and wonderingly, like a prisoner, at the abominable article, whilst the woman was arguing.

‘We bought a chair,’ said Ursula, ‘and we don’t want it. Would you have it? We should be glad if you would.’

The young couple looked round at her, not believing that she could be addressing them.

‘Would you care for it?’ repeated Ursula. ‘It’s