A Room With A View - Forster E.M..pdf - Cove Systems

"I hope you gave a careful answer, dear."
"I answered 'No'" said the boy, grinding his
teeth. "There! Fly into a stew! I can't help
it--had to say it. I had to say no. He ought never
to have asked me."
"Ridiculous child!" cried his mother. "You
think you're so holy and truthful, but really it's
only abominable conceit. Do you suppose that
a man like Cecil would take the slightest
notice of anything you say? I hope he boxed
your ears. How dare you say no?"
"Oh, do keep quiet, mother! I had to say no
when I couldn't say yes. I tried to laugh as if I
didn't mean what I said, and, as Cecil laughed
too, and went away, it may be all right. But I
feel my foot's in it. Oh, do keep quiet, though,
and let a man do some work."
"No," said Mrs. Honeychurch, with the air of
one who has considered the subject, "I shall