Page 583 - women-in-love

‘Adorable!’ said Gudrun. ‘Gerald’s just gone out to get
something. Ursula, aren’t you FEARFULLY tired?’
‘No, not so very. But I look a filthy sight, don’t I!’
‘No, you don’t. You look almost perfectly fresh. I like that
fur cap IMMENSELY!’ She glanced over Ursula, who wore a
big soft coat with a collar of deep, soft, blond fur, and a soft
blond cap of fur.
‘And you!’ cried Ursula. ‘What do you think YOU look
like!’
Gudrun assumed an unconcerned, expressionless face.
‘Do you like it?’ she said.
‘It’s VERY fine!’ cried Ursula, perhaps with a touch of
satire.
‘Go up—or come down,’ said Birkin. For there the sis-
ters stood, Gudrun with her hand on Ursula’s arm, on the
turn of the stairs half way to the first landing, blocking the
way and affording full entertainment to the whole of the
hall below, from the door porter to the plump Jew in black
clothes.
The two young women slowly mounted, followed by Bir-
kin and the waiter.
‘First floor?’ asked Gudrun, looking back over her shoul-
der.
‘Second Madam—the lift!’ the waiter replied. And he
darted to the elevator to forestall the two women. But they
ignored him, as, chattering without heed, they set to mount
the second flight. Rather chagrined, the waiter followed.
It was curious, the delight of the sisters in each other, at
this meeting. It was as if they met in exile, and united their

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