D. H. Lawrence's 'Odour of Chrysanthemums'

trundle of the small train was imminent. Suddenly the engine
loomed past the house and came to a stop opposite the gate.

The engine-driver, a short man with round grey beard,
leaned out of the cab high above the woman.

"Ive just come right for a cup of tea," he said in a merry
little fashion.

"I haven't mashed it yet. If you'll wait just a minute though
--the kettle is on the boil," she replied.

"Never mind, never mind--no, don't bother--no ----"
It was in vain he cried his remonstrances; the woman went
indoors. Directly, she returned.

"I didn't come and see you on Sunday," began the little
grey-bearded man. "I'd promised ----"

"I didn't expect you," said his daughter coldly.

The little engine-driver winced; then, trying to resume his
merry, airy manner, he said:

"Oh, have you heard then? I thought they'd be running
to tell you! And what do you think----?"

"I think it is soon enough," she replied.

At her brief, cold censure the little man made an impatient
gesture, and said coaxingly, excusing himself:

"Well, what's a man to do? It's no sort of life living with
strangers, a man of my years. I'm used to sitting on my own
hearth with my own woman. And if you're going to marry
again it may as well be soon as late--a few months make no
difference."

The woman did not reply, but turned and went into the
house. The little man in the engine-cab stared about in much
discomfort till she returned with a cup of tea and a piece of
bread and butter on a plate. She went up the steps and stood
near the footplate of the dark, looming engine.

15