Ursula and Gudrun Brangwen sat one morning in the window-bay of their fathers house in Beldover, working and talking. Ursula was stitching a piece of brightly-coloured embroidery, and Gudrun was drawing upon a board which she held on her knee. They were mostly silent, talking as their thoughts strayed through their minds. Ursula, said Gudrun, dont you REALLY WANT to get married? Ursula laid her embroidery in her lap and looked up. Her face was calm and considerate. I dont know, she replied. It depends how you mean. Gudrun was slightly taken aback. She watched her sister for some moments. Well, she said, ironically, it usually means one thing! But dont you think anyhow, youd be— she darkened slightly—in a better position than you are in now. A shadow came over Ursulas face. I might, she said. But Im not sure. Again Gudrun paused, slightly irritated. She wanted to be quite definite. You dont think one needs the EXPERIENCE of having been married? she asked. Do you think it need BE an experience? replied Ursula. Bound to be, in some way or other, said Gudrun, coolly. Possibly undesirable, but bound to be an experience of some sort. Not really, said Ursula. More likely to be the end of experience. Gudrun sat very still, to attend to this. Of course, she said, theres THAT to consider. This brought the conversation to a close. Gudrun, almost angrily, took up her rubber and began to rub out part of her drawing. Ursula stitched absorbedly. You wouldnt consider a good offer? asked Gudrun. I think Ive rejected several, said Ursula. REALLY! Gudrun flushed dark—But anything really worth while? Have you REALLY? A thousand a year, and an awfully nice man. I liked him awfully, said Ursula. Really! But werent you fearfully tempted? In the abstract but not in the concrete, said Ursula. When it comes to the point, one isnt even tempted—oh, if I were tempted, Id marry like a shot. Im only tempted NOT to. The faces of both sisters suddenly lit up with amusement.
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