“No, it’s perhaps rather sudden.” At which, thinking of his relationship with Ursula, he added—“but I don’t know—”

“Quite sudden, is it? Oh!” said Brangwen, rather baffled and annoyed.

“In one way,” replied Birkin, “—not in another.”

There was a moment’s pause, after which Brangwen said:

“Well, she pleases herself—”

“Oh yes!” said Birkin, calmly.

A vibration came into Brangwen’s strong voice, as he replied:

“Though I shouldn’t want her to be in too big a hurry, either. It’s no good looking round afterwards, when it’s too late.”

“Oh, it need never be too late,” said Birkin, “as far as that goes.”

“How do you mean?” asked the father.