Page 66 - lady-chatterlys-lover

little gesture, a soldier!
’Will you turn the chair round and get it started? That
makes it easier,’ said Clifford.
The man at once slung his gun over his shoulder, and
came forward with the same curious swift, yet soft move-
ments, as if keeping invisible. He was moderately tall and
lean, and was silent. He did not look at Connie at all, only
at the chair.
’Connie, this is the new game-keeper, Mellors. You
haven’t spoken to her ladyship yet, Mellors?’
’No, Sir!’ came the ready, neutral words.
The man lifted his hat as he stood, showing his thick, al-
most fair hair. He stared straight into Connie’s eyes, with
a perfect, fearless, impersonal look, as if he wanted to see
what she was like. He made her feel shy. She bent her head to
him shyly, and he changed his hat to his left hand and made
her a slight bow, like a gentleman; but he said nothing at all.
He remained for a moment still, with his hat in his hand.
’But you’ve been here some time, haven’t you?’ Connie
said to him.
’Eight months, Madam...your Ladyship!’ he corrected
himself calmly.
’And do you like it?’
She looked him in the eyes. His eyes narrowed a little,
with irony, perhaps with impudence.
’Why, yes, thank you, your Ladyship! I was reared here...’
He gave another slight bow, turned, put his hat on, and
strode to take hold of the chair. His voice on the last words
had fallen into the heavy broad drag of the dialect...perhaps