Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 1.pdf/259

Rh There is a certain deadly precision wanting. There are years of discipline yet."

"I don't admire these complicated pieces of music," said George Harringay. "I have simple tastes, I'm afraid. There seems to me no tune in it. There's nothing I like so much as simple music. Tune, simplicity is the need of the age, in my opinion. We are so oversubtle. Everything is far-fetched. Homegrown thoughts and 'Home, Sweet Home' for me. What do you think?"

"Oh! I think so—quite," said the younger Miss Pirbright.

"Well, Amy, chattering to George as usual?" said Mrs. Pirbright, across the room.

"As usual, Ma!" said the younger Miss Pirbright, glancing round with a bright smile at Miss Papaver, and turning again so as not to lose the next utterance from George.

"I wonder if you and Mr. Angel could manage a duet?" said Lady Hammergallow to the Curate from Iping Hanger, who was looking preternaturally gloomy.

"I'm sure I should be delighted," said the Curate from Iping Hanger, brightening up.

"Duets!" said the Angel; "the two of us. Then he can play. I understood—the Vicar told me"

"Mr. Wilmerdings is an accomplished pianist," interrupted the Vicar.

"But the Imitations?" said Mrs. Jehoram, who detested Wilmerdings.

"Imitations!" said the Angel.

"A pig squeaking, a cock crowing, you know," 227