got all the coal we want, and all the plush furniture, and pianofortes, and the rabbits are all stewed and eaten, and we’re all warm and our bellies are filled and we’re listening to the young lady performing on the pianoforte — what then? What then, when you’ve made a real fair start with your material things?’

Gerald sat laughing at the words and the mocking humour of the other man. But he was cogitating too.

‘We haven’t got there yet,’ he replied. ‘A good many people are still waiting for the rabbit and the fire to cook it.’

‘So while you get the coal I must chase the rabbit?’ said Birkin, mocking at Gerald.

‘Something like that,’ said Gerald.