Gerald disliked him, Gerald ignoring him with some contempt, Birkin exasperated.

‘What do the women find so impressive in that little brat?’ Gerald asked.

‘God alone knows,’ replied Birkin, ‘unless it’s some sort of appeal he makes to them, which flatters them and has such a power over them.’

Gerald looked up in surprise.

‘DOES he make an appeal to them?’ he asked.

‘Oh yes,’ replied Birkin. ‘He is the perfectly subjected being, existing almost like a criminal. And the women rush towards that, like a current of air towards a vacuum.’

‘Funny they should rush to that,’ said Gerald.