The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield

It was filled, it was heaped by her mother. “Of course! What’s the matter with you to-day? An hour or two ago you were insisting on us being sympathetic, and now-”

“But, mother, do you really think it’s a good idea?” said Laura.Īgain, how curious, she seemed to be different from them all. “Get me the big basket out of the stairs cupboard.” What a point to have it all ready prepared. Don’t you agree? And she’s sure to have neighbours calling in and so on. At any rate, it will be the greatest treat for the children. Let’s send that poor creature some of this perfectly good food. There on the table were all those sandwiches, cakes, puffs, all uneaten, all going to be wasted. Lived just below in the lane, and leaves a wife and half a dozen kiddies, so they say.”Īn awkward little silence fell. “It was a horrible affair all the same,” said Mr.

“Oh, mother!” Laura didn’t want to be teased about it. “I suppose you didn’t hear of a beastly accident that happened to-day?” he said. Sheridan took a bite and the sandwich was gone. But oh, these parties, these parties! Why will you children insist on giving parties!” And they all of them sat down in the deserted marquee. “All over, all over, thank heaven,” said Mrs. They stood side by side in the porch till it was all over. Laura helped her mother with the good-byes. “Never a more delightful garden-party… “ “The greatest success… ” “Quite the most… ” “Daddy darling, can’t the band have something to drink?”Īnd the perfect afternoon slowly ripened, slowly faded, slowly its petals closed. I’ve never seen you look so striking.”Īnd Laura, glowing, answered softly, “Have you had tea? Won’t you have an ice? The passion-fruit ices really are rather special.” She ran to her father and begged him. They were like bright birds that had alighted in the Sheridans’ garden for this one afternoon, on their way to-where? Ah, what happiness it is to be with people who all are happy, to press hands, press cheeks, smile into eyes.

Wherever you looked there were couples strolling, bending to the flowers, greeting, moving on over the lawn. The band struck up the hired waiters ran from the house to the marquee. Soon after that people began coming in streams. Laura said faintly “Is it?” and smiled up at Laurie, and didn’t tell him after all.

The Garden Party and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield