A Cup of Tea by Katherine Mansfield

A Cup of TeaBy Katherine Mansfield rosemary Fell was non exactly beautiful. No, you couldnt have c whollyed her beautiful. Pretty? Well, if you took her to pieces unless wherefore be so cruel as to take everyone to pieces? She was young, brilliant, extremely modem, finely intimately dressed, amazingly well read in the newest of the new books, and her parties were the close delicious mixture of the very important people and artists quaint peters, discoveries of hers, some(a) of them too terrifying for words, scarce separates quite presentable and amusing. rosemary had been get married two years. She had a duck of a boy.No, not Peter Michael. And her conserve absolutely adored her. They were spicy, really rich, not ripe comfortably well off, which is odious and stuffy and sounds corresponding ones grandpargonnts. tho if rosemary takeed to deceive she would go toParisas you and I would go toBond passageway. If she wanted to buy flowers, the automobile pulled up at that perfect stigmatise in Regent Street, and rosemary inside the shop just gazed in her dazzled, rather exotic way, and state I want those and those and those. Give me quaternary bunches of those. And that jar of roses. Yes, Ill have all the roses in the jar. No, no lilac.I hate lilac. Its got no shape. The attendant bowed and put the lilac verboten of sight, as though this was only too true lilac was dreadfully shapeless. Give me those roly-poly superficial tulips. Those red and white ones. And she was followed to the car by a rationalize shop-lady friend staggering under an immense white paper armful that looked like a baby in long clothes. One winter afternoon she had been buying something in a be lowd antique shop inCurzon Street. It was a shop she desire. For one thing, one usually had it to oneself. And so the man who kept it was ridiculously fond of serving her.He beamed w he neer she came in. He clasped his work force he was so gratified he could scarcely trea t. Flattery, of course. All the same, in that respect was something You catch up with, madam, he would explain in his low respectful tones, I have it off my things. I would rather not part with them than sell them to someone who does not appreciate them, who has not that fine feeling which is so rare And, live deeply, he unrolled a tiny square of puritanical velvet and press it on the glass counter with his pale finger-tips. To-day it was a small(a) box. He had been keeping it for her. He had giftn it to nobody as yet.An exquisite particular grace box with a glaze so fine it looked as though it had been baked in cream. On the lid a minute creature stood under a flowery tree, and a more minute creature heretofore had her arms round his neck. Her hat, really no bigger than a geranium petal, hung from a branch it had green ribbons. And there was a pink veil like a watchful cherub floating above their heads. rosemary took her turn over forth of her long gloves. She alway s took off her gloves to examine much(prenominal) things. Yes, she liked it very much. She loved it it was a great duck. She moldiness have it.And, play the creamy box, opening and shutting it, she couldnt help noticing how charming her blow overs were against the blue velvet. The shopman, in some dim cavern of his mind, may have dared to theorize so too. For he took a pencil, leant over the counter, and his pale, bloodless fingers crept timidly towards those rosy, philiabeat ones, as he murmured gently If I may venture to head out to madam, the flowers on the critical ladys bodice. Charming rosemary admired the flowers. only what was the price? For a moment the shopman did not seem to hear. Then a murmur reached her. Twenty-eight guineas, madam. Twenty-eight guineas. Rosemary gave no sign. She laid the micro box down she thotoned 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 s hopmans head, and her voice was dreamy as she answered Well, keep it for me will 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 doorsill shut with a click. She was outside on the step, gazing at the winter afternoon.Rain was falling, and with the rainfall it seemed the dark came too, spinning down like ashes. thither was a frozen bitter taste in the air, and the new-lighted lamps looked sad. Sad were the lights in the houses opposite. Dimly they burned as if regretting something. And people hurried by, hidden under their hateful umbrellas. Rosemary felt a strange pang. She touch her muff against her breast she wished she had the little box, too, to cling to. Of course the car was there. Shed only to cross the pavement. But dummy up she waited. There are moments, horrible moments in life, when one emerges from shelter and looks out, and its awf ul.One oughtnt to break in way to them. One ought to go foundation and have an extra-special tea. But at the very instant of thinking that, a young lady friend, thin, dark, shadowy where had she acclaim from? was standing at Rosemarys elbow and a voice like a sigh, almost like a sob, breathed Madam, may I speak to you a moment? Speak to me? Rosemary turned. She saw a little battered creature with enormous eyeballs, someone quite young, no old(a) than herself, who clutched at her coat-collar with reddened hands, and shivered as though she had just pose out of the water. M-madam, stammered the voice. Would you let me have the price of a form of tea?A loving cup of tea? There was something simple, sincere in that voice it wasnt in the least the voice of a beggar. Then have you no specie at all? asked Rosemary. None, madam, came the answer. How extraordinary Rosemary peered with the dusk and the lady friend gazed back at her. How more than extraordinary And suddenly it seemed to Rosemary such an adventure. It was like something out of a novel by Dostoevsky, this meeting in the dusk. Supposing she took the girl home? Supposing she did do one of those things she was always reading about(predicate) or seeing on the stage, what would happen? It would be thrilling.And she heard herself locution afterwards to the amazement of her friends I solely took her home with me, as she stepped prior and state to that dim person beside her commence home to tea with me. The girl force back startled. She even stopped shivering for a moment. Rosemary put out a hand and touched her arm. I toy with it, she tell, smiling. And she felt how simple and kind her smile was. Why wont you? Do. Come home with me now in my car and have tea. You you dont mean it, madam, verbalise the girl, and there was pain in her voice. But I do, cried Rosemary. I want you to. To cheer me. Come along.The girl put her fingers to her lips and her eyeball devoured Rosemary. Youre yo ure not taking me to the police station? she stammered. The police station Rosemary laughed out. Why should I be so cruel? No, I only want to make you lovesome and to hear anything you care to tell me. Hungry people are slowly led. The footman held the door of the car open, and a moment later they were skimming through the dusk. There said Rosemary. She had a feeling of triumph as she slipped her hand through the velvet strap. She could have said, Now Ive got you, as she gazed at the little captive she had netted.But of course she meant it kindly. Oh, more than kindly. She was pass to prove to this girl that rattling(prenominal) things did happen in life, that fairy godmothers were real, that rich people had hearts, 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 carry But happily at that moment, for she didnt know how the sentence wa s handout to end, the car stopped. The bell was rung, the door opened, and with a charming, protecting, almost embracing movement, Rosemary displace the other into the hall.Warmth, softness, light, a sweet scent, all those things so familiar 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, said Rosemary, longing to begin to be generous. Come up to my style. And, besides, she wanted to bring through this unfortunate little thing from being stared at by the servants she discrete as they mounted the stairs she would not even ring to Jeanne, but take off her things by herself. The great things were to be naturalAnd There cried Rosemary again, as they reached her beautiful big bedroom with the curtains drawn, the inflammation leap 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 direct up to the fire, m this prosperous chair. Come and get warm. You look so dreadfully cold. I darent, madam, said the girl, and she edged backwards. Oh, please, Rosemary ran forward you mustnt be frightened, you mustnt, really.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 slightly 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 fair hair is all wet. And one is so much more soothing without a hat, isnt one? There was a whisper that sounded like truly good, adam, and the crushed hat was taken of f. 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 knockout 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 cigarette off the mantelpiece when the girl said quickly, but so lightly and strangely Im very sorry, madam, but Im going to faint. I shall go off, madam, if I dont have something. Good heavens, how detached I am Rosemary rushed to the bell. Tea Tea at once And some brandy immediately The maid 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 burst into tears. It was a terr ible 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 utmost(a) 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 grant it. I cant wear off it. I shall do away 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 so exhausting. Please The other did stop just in time for Rosemary to get up before the tea came. She had the table placed 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 filled it with tea, cream and excoriation. 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 repast was marvelous. When the tea-table was carried away a new being, a light, frail creature with mired 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 cigarette 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, Miss _ 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 ov er to the fire and turned his back to it. Its a beastly afternoon, he said curiously, still looking at that listless figure, looking at its hands and boots, and and then at Rosemary again. Yes, isnt it? said Rosemary enthusiastically. Vile. Philip smiled his charming smile. As a matter of fact, said he, I wanted you to come into the library for a moment. Would you? Will Miss 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. Really. 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 nice to her, said Rosemary quickly. Be horribly nice to her. Look after her. I dont know how. We havent talked yet. But show her treat 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 trenchant - But, said Philip slowly, and he cut the end of a cigar, shes so astonishingly pretty. Pretty? Rosemary was so surprised that she blushed. Do you think so? I I hadnt thought about it. Good Lord Philip afflicted 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 dark mistake. Sorry, darling, if Im crude and all that.But let me know if Miss Smith is going to dine with us in time for me to look up The Milliners Gazette. You farcical 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 down at her desk. Pretty 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 trinity 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? Previous engagement? Rosemary came over and sit down on his knee. She insisted on going, said she, so I gave the poor little thing a present 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. Kiss me. There was a pause. Then Rosemary said moonily I saw a fascinating little box to-day. It court twenty-eight guineas. May I have it? Philip jumped her on his knee. You may, little wasteful 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?