cheek for a few moments. Ursula was supremely uncomfortable meanwhile. There was an insult in Gudrun’s protective patronage that was really too hurting. Feeling her sister’s resistance, Gudrun drew awkwardly away, turned over the pillow, and disclosed the stockings again.

‘Ha — ha!’ she laughed, rather hollowly. ‘How we do talk indeed — new worlds and old — !’

And they passed to the familiar worldly subjects.

Gerald and Birkin had walked on ahead, waiting for the sledge to overtake them, conveying the departing guests.

‘How much longer will you stay here?’ asked Birkin, glancing up at Gerald’s very red, almost blank face.