But these were thick silk stockings, vermilion, cornflower blue, and grey, bought in Paris. The grey ones were knitted, seamless and heavy. Ursula was in raptures. She knew Gudrun must be feeling VERY loving, to give away such treasures.

‘I can’t take them from you, Prune,’ she cried. ‘I can’t possibly deprive you of them — the jewels.’

‘AREN’T they jewels!’ cried Gudrun, eyeing her gifts with an envious eye. ‘AREN’T they real lambs!’

‘Yes, you MUST keep them,’ said Ursula.

‘I don’t WANT them, I’ve got three more pairs. I WANT you to keep them — I want you to have them. They’re yours, there — ’