was in one of his stupid rages, she instantly closed against him.

‘Of course you knew,’ she said coolly. ‘You knew we were going to get married.’

There was a dangerous pause.

‘We knew you were going to get married, did we? Knew! Why, does anybody know anything about you, you shifty bitch!’

‘Father!’ cried Gudrun, flushing deep in violent remonstrance. Then, in a cold, but gentle voice, as if to remind her sister to be tractable: ‘But isn’t it a FEARFULLY sudden decision, Ursula?’ she asked.

‘No, not really,’ replied Ursula, with the same maddening cheerfulness. ‘He’s been WANTING me to agree for weeks —