Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 1.pdf/247

Rh very amusing. In fact, I intend to ask the Vicar to introduce me."

"My dear!" cried Mrs. Mendham.

"I'm resolute," said Mrs. Jehoram.

"I'm afraid you're rash," said Mrs. Mendham. "Geniuses and people of that kind are all very well in London. But here—at the Vicarage."

"We are going to educate the folks. I love originality. At any rate I mean to see him."

"Take care you don't see too much of him,” said Mrs. Mendham. "I've heard the fashion is quite changing. I understand that some of the very best people have decided that genius is not to be encouraged any more. These recent scandals.&hellip;"

"Only in literature, I can assure you, dear. In music&hellip;"

"Nothing you can say, my dear," said Mrs. Mendham, going off at a tangent, "will convince me that that person's costume was not extremely suggestive and improper."

§ 32

Angel came thoughtfully by the hedge across the field towards the Vicarage. The rays of the setting sun shone on his shoulders, and touched the Vicarage with gold, and blazed like fire in all the windows. By the gate, bathed in the sunlight, stood little Delia, the waiting-maid. She stood watching him under her hand. It suddenly came into the Angel's mind that she at least was beautiful, and not only beautiful but alive and warm.

She opened the gate for him and stood aside. She 215