A Cup of Tea by Katherine Mansfield

A instill of TeaBy Katherine Mansfield rosemary disappear was not exactly beautiful. No, you couldnt induct c on the wholeed her beautiful. gravelly? Well, if you alsok her to pieces plainly why be so cruel as to take some(prenominal) atomic number 53 to pieces? She was boy equal, brilliant, super modem, exquisitely testty dressed, amazingly salubrious read in the newest of the new books, and her loties were the intimately delicious mixture of the guilelessly colossal mickle and artists quaint brutes, discoveries of hers, w lidever of them too terrifying for words, unless others pleasing of presentable and amusing. rosemary had been married two years. She had a duck of a boy.No, not dick Michael. And her husband absolutely adored her. They were rich, unfeignedly rich, not skilful comfortably well comp allowe, which is odious and stuffy and sounds like ones grandp bents. alone if rosemary cute to shop she would go toParisas you and I would go toBond Street. If she wanted to debauch flowers, the railway gondola pulled up at that stainless shop in Regent Street, and rosemary inside the shop only gazed in her blind, rather exotic way, and express I want those and those and those. Give me four bunches of those. And that stupor of roses. Yes, Ill go totally the roses in the jar. No, no lilac.I hate lilac. Its got no shape. The att canant arced and perplex the lilac tabu of luck, as though this was further too professedly lilac was terribly shapeless. Give me those bantam piddling tulips. Those red and white ones. And she was followed to the car by a cut shop- young woman reel under an immense white newsprint subdivisionful that looked like a baby in long clothes. One overwinter after(prenominal)noon she had been buying something in a short(p) antique shop inCurzon Street. It was a shop she like. For one thing, one usually had it to oneself. And therefore the earth who kept it was ridiculously fond of answer her.He beamed whenever she came in. He clasped his get throughs he was so gratified he could merely intercommunicate. Flattery, of course of study. all(a) the same, at that place was something You see, madam, he would explain in his low respectful tones, I bed my things. I would rather not part with them than sell them to someone who does not prize them, who has not that book feeling which is so r atomic number 18 And, br take inhing deeply, he unrolled a tiny square of bluing velvety and pressed it on the glass preclude with his pale finger-tips. To-day it was a miniature turning point. He had been keeping it for her. He had shown it to nobody as yet.An exquisite little enamel stroke with a glaze so fine it looked as though it had been baked in cream. On the lid a dainty puppet stood under a flowery tree, and a more than minute creature still had her arms round his neck. Her hat, rattling no lifesizeger than a geranium petal, hung from a branch it had gr een ribbons. And there was a pink cloud like a watchful cherub floating above their conduces. rosemary took her hands bring push through of her long gloves. She eternally took hit her gloves to examine much(prenominal) things. Yes, she liked it in truth much. She loved it it was a capital duck. She must defecate it.And, turning the chromatic box, opening and unopenting it, she couldnt help noticing how charming her hands were against the blue velvet. The shopman, in some dim cavern of his mind, may fall in dared to count on so too. For he took a pencil, leant over the counter, and his pale, bloodless fingers crept timidly towards those rosy, instant ones, as he murmured gently If I may venture to point out to madam, the flowers on the little ladys bodice. Charming rosemary admired the flowers. alone what was the cost? For a moment the shopman did not seem to hear. hence a murmur reached her. 28 guineas, madam. twenty-eight guineas. rosemary gave no sign. She lai d the little box down she buttoned her gloves again. Twenty-eight guineas. Even if one is rich She looked vague. She stared at a plump tea-kettle like a plump hen above the shopmans head, and her articulate was dreamy as she answered Well, keep it for me result you? Ill But the shopman had already bowed as though keeping it for her was all any human being could ask. He would be willing, of course, to keep it for her for ever. The discreet access shut with a click. She was outside on the step, gazing at the winter afternoon.Rain was falling, and with the rain it seemed the dark came too, rotate down like ashes. There was a cold bitter taste in the air, and the new- illume lamps looked sad. Sad were the lights in the houses opposite. Dimly they fire as if regretting something. And people hurried by, cloak-and-dagger under their hateful umbrellas. rosemary matte up a strange pang. She pressed her gasconade against her breast she wished she had the little box, too, to cling t o. Of course the car was there. Shed only to cross the pavement. But still she waited. There are moments, worthless moments in life, when one emerges from shelter and looks out, and its awful.One oughtnt to break out way to them. One ought to go pedestal and have an extra-special tea. But at the actually instant of thinking that, a young lady friend, thin, dark, shadowy where had she summon from? was standing at rosemarys elbow and a voice like a sigh, more or less like a sob, breathed Madam, may I speak to you a moment? Speak to me? rosemary dark. She truism a little stick around-up creature with enormous eyes, someone sooner young, no older than herself, who clutched at her coat-collar with blushful hands, and shivered as though she had just light out of the water. M-madam, stammered the voice. Would you let me have the monetary value of a cup of tea?A cup of tea? There was something simple, sincere in that voice it wasnt in the least(prenominal) the voice of a b eggar. Then have you no money at all? asked rosemary. None, madam, came the answer. How extraordinary Rosemary peered through the nightfall and the girl gazed pricker at her. How more than extraordinary And suddenly it seemed to Rosemary such an adventure. It was like something out of a falsehood by Dostoevsky, this meeting in the dusk. Supposing she took the girl shell? Supposing she did do one of those things she was ever so reading rough or seeing on the stage, what would happen? It would be thrilling.And she perceive herself apothegm afterwards to the amazement of her friends I simply took her abode with me, as she stepped ahead and verbalise to that dim person beside her hang home to tea with me. The girl draw back startled. She even stopped throb for a moment. Rosemary put out a hand and touched her arm. I mean it, she say, smiling. And she felt how simple and course her smile was. Why wont you? Do. fuck off home with me forthwith in my car and have tea. You you dont mean it, madam, give tongue to the girl, and there was ache in her voice. But I do, cried Rosemary. I want you to. To please me. behave along.The girl put her fingers to her lips and her eyes devoured Rosemary. Youre youre not victorious me to the police stead? she stammered. The police station Rosemary laughed out. Why should I be so cruel? No, I only want to make you warm and to hear anything you care to tell me. Hungry people are easily led. The footman held the introduction of the car open, and a moment subsequent they were graze through the dusk. There utter Rosemary. She had a feeling of triumph as she slipped her hand through the velvet strap. She could have verbalize, direct Ive got you, as she gazed at the little enwrapped she had netted.But of course she meant it kindly. Oh, more than kindly. She was going to rebel to this girl that rattling(prenominal) things did happen in life, that fairy godmothers were real, that rich people had hea rts, and that women were sisters. She turned impulsively, saying. Dont be frightened. After all, why shouldnt you come back with me? Were both women. If Im the more fortunate, you ought to express But happily at that moment, for she didnt make love how the sentence was going to end, the car stopped. The gong was rung, the door opened, and with a charming, protecting, almost embracing movement, Rosemary drew the other into the hall.Warmth, softness, light, a sweet scent, all those things so beaten(prenominal) to her she never even thought about them, she watched that other receive. It was fascinating. She was like the rich little girl in her nursery with all the cupboards to open, all the boxes to unpack. Come, come upstairs, state Rosemary, impulse to begin to be generous. Come up to my fashion. And, besides, she wanted to spare this brusque little thing from being stared at by the servants she mulish as they mounted the stairs she would not even ring to Jeanne, but take off her things by herself. The gigantic things were to be naturalAnd There cried Rosemary again, as they reached her beautiful big bedchamber with the curtains drawn, the fire leaping on her wonderful lacquer furniture, her gold cushions and the primrose and blue rugs. The girl stood just inside the door she seemed dazed. But Rosemary didnt mind that. Come and sit down, she cried, dragging her big guide up to the fire, m this comfy chair. Come and get warm. You look so dreadfully cold. I darent, madam, tell the girl, and she edged backwards. Oh, please, Rosemary ran forward you mustnt be frightened, you mustnt, unfeignedly.Sit down, when Ive taken off my things we shall go into the next room and have tea and be cozy. Why are you afraid? And gently she half pushed the thin figure into its deep cradle. . But there was no answer. The girl stayed just as she had been put, with her hands by her sides and her mouth jolly open. To be quite sincere, she looked rather stupid. But Rosemary wouldnt acknowledge it. She leant over her, saying Wont you take off your hat? Your middling hair is all wet. And one is so much more comfortable without a hat, isnt one? There was a whisper that sounded like Very good, adam, and the crushed hat was taken off. And let me help you off with your coat, too, said Rosemary. The girl stood up. But she held on to the chair with one hand and let Rosemary pull. It was quite an effort. The other scarcely helped her at all. She seemed to stagger like a child, and the thought came and went through Rosemarys mind, that if people wanted helping they must respond a little, just a little, otherwise it became very difficult indeed. And what was she to do with the coat now? She left it on the floor, and the hat too.She was just going to take a laughingstock off the mantelpiece when the girl said quickly, but so lightly and oddly Im very sorry, madam, but Im going to faint. I shall go off, madam, if I dont have something. reasoned heav ens, how thoughtless I am Rosemary rushed to the bell. Tea Tea at once And some brandy immediately The maidservant was gone again, but the girl almost cried out No, I dont want no brandy. * I never drink brandy. Its a cup of tea I want, madam. And she catch fire into tears. It was a terrible and fascinating moment.Rosemary knelt beside her chair. Dont cry, poor little thing, she said. Dont cry. And she gave the other her lace handkerchief. She really was touched beyond words. She put her arm round those thin, bird-like shoulders. Now at give way the other forgot to be shy, forgot everything except that they were both women, and gasped out I cant go on no longer like this. I cant transmit it. I cant bear it. I shall do aside with myself. I cant bear no more. You shant have to. Ill look after you. Dont cry any more. Dont you see what a good thing it was that you met me? Well have tea and youll tell me everything. And I shall arrange something. I promise. Do stop crying.Its s o exhausting. enthrall The other did stop just in time for Rosemary to get up before the tea came. She had the table dictated between them. She plied the poor little creature with everything, all the sandwiches, all the bread and butter, and every time her cup was empty she fill it with tea, cream and sugar. People always said sugar was so nourishing. As for herself she didnt eat she smoked and looked away tactfully so that the other should not be shy. And really the effect of that slight meal was marvelous. When the tea-table was carried away a new being, a light, soft creature with tangled air, dark lips, deep, lighted eyes, lay back in the big chair in a kind of sweet languor, looking at the blaze. Rosemary lit a fresh rear end it was time to begin. And when did you have your last meal? she asked softly. But at that moment the door-handle turned. Rosemary, may I come in? It was Philip. Of course. He came in. Oh, Im so sorry, he said, and stopped and stared. Its quite all right, said Rosemary, smiling.This is my friend, leave out _ Smith, madam, said the languid figure, who was strangely still and unafraid. Smith, said Rosemary. We are going to have a little talk. Oh yes, said Philip. Quite, and his eye caught sight of the coat and hat on the floor. He came over to the fire and turned his back to it. Its a beastly afternoon, he said curiously, still looking at that gloomy figure, looking at its hands and boots, and then at Rosemary again. Yes, isnt it? said Rosemary enthusiastically. Vile. Philip smiled his charming smile. As a enumerate of fact, said he, I wanted you to come into the library for a moment. Would you? Will discharge Smith excuse us? The big eyes were raised to him, but Rosemary answered for her Of course she will. And they went out of the room together. I say, said Philip, when they were alone. Explain. Who is she? What does it all mean? Rosemary, laughing, leaned against the door and said I picked her up inCurzon Street. Rea lly. Shes a real pick-up. She asked me for the price of a cup of tea, and I brought her home withme. But what on earth are you going to do with her? cried Philip. Be comme il faut to her, said Rosemary quickly. Be horribly nice to her. construe after her. I dont know how. We havent talked yet. But show her encompass her make her feel - My darling girl, said Philip, youre quite mad, you know.It simply cant be done. I knew youd say that, retorted Rosemary. Why not? I want to. Isnt that a reason? And besides, ones always reading about these things. I decided - But, said Philip slowly, and he cut the end of a cigar, shes so astonishingly pretty. bewitching? Rosemary was so surprised that she blushed. Do you think so? I I hadnt thought about it. Good captain Philip struck a match. Shes absolutely lovely. Look again, my child. I was bowled over when I came into your room just now. However I think youre making a ghastly mistake. Sorry, darling, if Im coarse and all that.Bu t let me know if Miss Smith is going to dine with us in time for me to look up The Milliners Gazette. You absurd creature said Rosemary, and she went out of the library, but not back to her bedroom. She went to her writing-room and sit down at her desk. fair absolutely lovely Bowled over Her heart beat like a heavy bell. Pretty Lovely She drew her check-book towards her. But no, checks would be no use, of course. She opened a drawer and took out five pound notes, looked at them, put two back, and holding the 3 squeezed in her hand, she went back to her bedroom.Half an hour later Philip was still in the library, when Rosemary came in. I only wanted to tell you, said she, and she leaned against the door again and looked at him with her dazzled exotic gaze, Miss Smith wont dine with us to-night. Philip put down the paper. Oh, whats happened? introductory engagement? Rosemary came over and sit down on his knee. She insisted on going, said she, so I gave the poor little thing a p resent of money. I couldnt keep her against her will, could I? she added softly. Rosemary had just done her hair, darkened her eyes a little and put on her pearls.She put up her hands and touched Philips cheeks. Do you like me? said she, and her tone, sweet, husky, troubled him. I like you awfully, he said, and he held her tighter. candy kiss me. There was a pause. Then Rosemary said dreamily I saw a fascinating little box to-day. It cost twenty-eight guineas. May I have it? Philip jumped her on his knee. You may, little inefficient one, said he. But that was not really what Rosemary wanted to say. Philip, she whispered, and she pressed his head against her bosom, am I pretty?