Loerke’s presence, Loerke’s being, flowing dominant through her.

‘What makes you so smitten with that little vermin?’ he asked, really puzzled. For he, man-like, could not see anything attractive or important AT ALL in Loerke. Gerald expected to find some handsomeness or nobleness, to account for a woman’s subjection. But he saw none here, only an insect-like repulsiveness.

Gudrun flushed deeply. It was these attacks she would never forgive.

‘What do you mean?’ she replied. ‘My God, what a mercy I am NOT married to you!’

Her voice of flouting and contempt scotched him. He was brought up short. But he recovered himself.

‘Tell me, only tell me,’