before any further progress was made。 Ursula continued in
suspense; in inflamed bliss。
Then one day; when she was alone; the mistress came near to
her; and touching her cheek with her fingers; said with some
difficulty。
〃Would you like to e to tea with me on Saturday;
Ursula?〃
The girl flushed all gratitude。
〃Well go to a lovely little bungalow on the Soar; shall we?
I stay the week…ends there sometimes。〃
Ursula was beside herself。 She could not endure till the
Saturday came; her thoughts burned up like a fire。 If only it
were Saturday; if only it were Saturday。
Then Saturday came; and she set out。 Miss Inger met her in
Sawley; and they walked about three miles to the bungalow。 It
was a moist; warm cloudy day。
The bungalow was a tiny; two…roomed shanty set on a steep
bank。 Everything in it was exquisite。 In delicious privacy; the
two girls made tea; and then they talked。 Ursula need not be
home till about ten oclock。
The talk was led; by a kind of spell; to love。 Miss Inger was
telling Ursula of a friend; how she had died in childbirth; and
what she had suffered; then she told of a prostitute; and of
some of her experiences with men。
As they talked thus; on the little verandah of the bungalow;
the night fell; there was a little warm rain。
〃It is really stifling;〃 said Miss Inger。
They watched a train; whose lights were pale in the lingering
twilight; rushing across the distance。
〃It will thunder;〃 said Ursula。
The electric suspense continued; the darkness sank; they were
eclipsed。
〃I think I shall go and bathe;〃 said Miss Inger; out of the
cloud…black darkness。
〃At night?〃 said Ursula。