she replied, shrinking but stubborn.

‘It doesn’t matter to ME then, what you do — what becomes of you?’ he cried, in a strange voice like a cry.

The mother and Gudrun stood back as if hypnotised.

‘No,’ stammered Ursula. Her father was very near to her. ‘You only want to-’

She knew it was dangerous, and she stopped. He was gathered together, every muscle ready.

‘What?’ he challenged.

‘Bully me,’ she muttered, and even as her lips were moving, his hand had caught her smack at the side of the face and she was sent up against the door.

‘Father!’ cried Gudrun in a high voice,