Women in Love

'Doesn't she look WEIRD!' Gudrun heard some girls titter behind her.

And she could have killed them.

'How do you do!' sang Hermione, coming up very kindly, and glancing

slowly over Gudrun's father and mother. It was a trying moment,

exasperating for Gudrun. Hermione was really so strongly entrenched in

her class superiority, she could come up and know people out of simple

curiosity, as if they were creatures on exhibition. Gudrun would do the

same herself. But she resented being in the position when somebody

might do it to her.

Hermione, very remarkable, and distinguishing the Brangwens very much,

led them along to where Laura Crich stood receiving the guests.

'This is Mrs Brangwen,' sang Hermione, and Laura, who wore a stiff

embroidered linen dress, shook hands and said she was glad to see her.

Then Gerald came up, dressed in white, with a black and brown blazer,

and looking handsome. He too was introduced to the Brangwen parents,

and immediately he spoke to Mrs Brangwen as if she were a lady, and to

Brangwen as if he were NOT a gentleman. Gerlad was so obvious in his

demeanour. He had to shake hands with his left hand, because he had

hurt his right, and carried it, bandaged up, in the pocket of his

jacket. Gudrun was VERY thankful that none of her party asked him what

was the matter with the hand.

The steam launch was fussing in, all its music jingling, people calling

excitedly from on board. Gerald went to see to the debarkation, Birkin

was getting tea for Mrs Brangwen, Brangwen had joined a Grammar-School

group, Hermione was sitting down by their mother, the girls went to the

landing-stage to watch the launch come in.

She hooted and tooted gaily, then her paddles were silent, the ropes

were thrown ashore, she drifted in with a little bump. Immediately the

passengers crowded excitedly to come ashore.

'Wait a minute, wait a minute,' shouted Gerald in sharp command.

They must wait till the boat was tight on the ropes, till the small

gangway was put out. Then they streamed ashore, clamouring as if they

had come from America.

'Oh it's SO nice!' the young girls were crying. 'It's quite lovely.' The waiters from on board ran out to the boat-house with baskets, the

captain lounged on the little bridge. Seeing all safe, Gerald came to

Gudrun and Ursula.

'You wouldn't care to go on board for the next trip, and have tea

there?' he asked.

'No thanks,' said Gudrun coldly.

'You don't care for the water?' 'For the water? Yes, I like it very much.' He looked at her, his eyes searching.