deserves it for showing spunk, in a world of old women. I've been struggling to get myself clear of the skirts of old women for seventy years, and haven't managed it yet. But you're the man, I can see that.'
`I'm glad you think so. They usually tell me, in a sideways fashion, that I'm the monkey.'
`Oh, they would! My dear fellow, what could you be but a monkey, to all the old women?'
They parted most genially, and Mellors laughed inwardly all the time for the rest of the day.
The following day he had lunch with Connie and Hilda, at some discreet place.
`It's a very great pity it's such an ugly situation all round,' said Hilda.
`I had a lot o' fun out of it,' said he.
`I think you might have avoided putting children into the world until you were both free to marry and have children.'
`The Lord blew a bit too soon on the spark,' said he.
`I think the Lord had nothing to do with it. Of course, Connie has enough money to keep you both, but the situation is unbearable.'
`But then you don't have to bear more than a small corner of it, do you?' said he.
`If you'd been in her own class.'
`Or if I'd been in a cage at the Zoo.'
There was silence.
`I think,' said Hilda, `it will be best if she names quite another man as co-respondent and you stay out of it altogether.'
`But I thought I'd put my foot right in.'
`I mean in the divorce proceedings.'
He gazed at her in wonder. Connie had not dared mention the Duncan scheme to him.
`I don't follow,' he said.
`We have a friend who would probably agree to be named as co-respondent, so that your name need not appear,' said Hilda.
`You mean a man?'
`Of course!'
`But she's got no other?'
He looked in wonder at Connie.
`No, no!' she said hastily. `Only that old friendship, quite simple, no love.'
`Then why should the fellow take the blame? If he's had nothing out of you?'
`Some men are chivalrous and don't only count what they get out of a woman,' said Hilda.