Page 231 - women-in-love

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 car-
ried 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 Bran-
gwen, 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. See-
ing 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.

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