D H Lawrence

The Trespasser D H Lawrence

Siegmund, a musician at the local opera house, has fallen in love with a former pupil, Helena. She persuades him to go with her to the Isle of Wight for a few days, but happiness eludes them. Helena, dreaming of a great union of minds, rejects the physical intensity of Siegmund's love.'Take off that mute, do!' cried Louisa, snatching her fingers from the piano keys, and turning abruptly to the violinist. Helena looked slowly from her music.'My dear Louisa, ' she replied, 'it would be simply unendurable.' She stood tapping her white skirt with her bow in a kind of a pathetic forbearance.'But I can't understand it, ' cried Louisa, bouncing on her chair with the exaggeration of one who is indignant with a beloved. 'It is only lately you would even submit to muting your violin. At one time you would have refused flatly, and no doubt about it.''I have only lately submitted to many things, ' replied Helena, who seemed weary and stupefied, but still sententious. Louisa drooped from her bristling defiance.'At any rate, ' she said, scolding in tones too naked with love, I don't like