Where Angels Fear to TreadForster, E. M. (Edward Morgan)
General
Where Angels Fear to Tread
Forster, E. M. (Edward Morgan)
Culture conflict -- Fiction; Historical fiction; Humorous stories; Middle class -- England -- Fiction
And Philip, whom the idea of Italy always intoxicated, had started
again, telling her of the supreme moments of her coming journey--the
Campanile of Airolo, which would burst on her when she emerged from the
St. Gothard tunnel, presaging the future; the view of the Ticino and
Lago Maggiore as the train climbed the slopes of Monte Cenere; the view
of Lugano, the view of Como--Italy gathering thick around her now--the
arrival at her first resting-place, when, after long driving through
dark and dirty streets, she should at last behold, amid the roar of
trams and the glare of arc lamps, the buttresses of the cathedral of
Milan.
“Handkerchiefs and collars,” screamed Harriet, “in my inlaid box! I’ve
lent you my inlaid box.”
“Good old Harry!” She kissed every one again, and there was a moment’s
silence. They all smiled steadily, excepting Philip, who was choking in
the fog, and old Mrs. Theobald, who had begun to cry. Miss Abbott got
into the carriage. The guard himself shut the door, and told Lilia that
she would be all right. Then the train moved, and they all moved with it
a couple of steps, and waved their handkerchiefs, and uttered cheerful
little cries. At that moment Mr. Kingcroft reappeared, carrying a
footwarmer by both ends, as if it was a tea-tray. He was sorry that
he was too late, and called out in a quivering voice, “Good-bye, Mrs.
Charles. May you enjoy yourself, and may God bless you.”
Lilia smiled and nodded, and then the absurd position of the foot-warmer
overcame her, and she began to laugh again.
“Oh, I am so sorry,” she cried back, “but you do look so funny. Oh, you
all look so funny waving! Oh, pray!” And laughing helplessly, she was
carried out into the fog.
“High spirits to begin so long a journey,” said Mrs. Theobald, dabbing
her eyes.
Mr. Kingcroft solemnly moved his head in token of agreement. “I wish,”
said he, “that Mrs. Charles had gotten the footwarmer. These London
porters won’t take heed to a country chap.”
“But you did your best,” said Mrs. Herriton. “And I think it simply
noble of you to have brought Mrs. Theobald all the way here on such a
day as this.” Then, rather hastily, she shook hands, and left him to
take Mrs. Theobald all the way back.
Sawston, her own home, was within easy reach of London, and they were
not late for tea. Tea was in the dining-room, with an egg for Irma, to
keep up the child’s spirits. The house seemed strangely quiet after a
fortnight’s bustle, and their conversation was spasmodic and subdued.
They wondered whether the travellers had got to Folkestone, whether it
would be at all rough, and if so what would happen to poor Miss Abbott.
“And, Granny, when will the old ship get to Italy?” asked Irma.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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