Again she looked at the young man with a determined, protective look, at once overbearing and very gentle. He grinned sicklily, turning away his head. She had got his manhood, but Lord, what did he care! He had a strange furtive pride and slinking singleness.

‘Good luck to you,’ said Birkin.

‘Same to you,’ said the young woman. Then, rather tentatively: ‘When’s yours coming off, then?’

Birkin looked round at Ursula.

‘It’s for the lady to say,’ he replied. ‘We go to the registrar the moment she’s ready.’

Ursula laughed, covered with confusion and bewilderment.

‘No ‘urry,’