’

Gudrun watched him as if in a hypnotic state, her eyes wide and fixed on him.

‘But in what way do you mean, disappear? — ’ she persisted.

‘Yes, do you mean a change of heart?’ put in Gerald.

‘I don’t mean anything, why should I?’ said Birkin. ‘I’m an Englishman, and I’ve paid the price of it. I can’t talk about England — I can only speak for myself.’

‘Yes,’ said Gudrun slowly, ‘you love England immensely, IMMENSELY, Rupert.’

‘And leave her,’ he replied.

‘No, not for good. You’ll come back,’