[New Grub Street by George Gissing]@TWC D-Link bookNew Grub Street CHAPTER VII 21/50
The English fault of domestic reticence could scarcely go further than it did in their case; its exaggeration is, of course, one of the characteristics of those unhappy families severed by differences of education between the old and young. 'I think,' said Marian, in a forced tone, 'that father hasn't much liking for Mr Milvain.' She wished to know if her mother had heard any private remarks on this subject, but she could not bring herself to ask directly. 'I'm sure I don't know,' replied Mrs Yule, smoothing her dress.
'He hasn't said anything to me, Marian.' An awkward silence.
The mother had fixed her eyes on the mantelpiece, and was thinking hard. 'Otherwise,' said Marian, 'he would have said something, I should think, about meeting in London.' 'But is there anything in--this gentleman that he wouldn't like ?' 'I don't know of anything.' Impossible to pursue the dialogue; Marian moved uneasily, then rose, said something about putting the letter away, and left the room. Shortly after, Alfred Yule entered the house.
It was no uncommon thing for him to come home in a mood of silent moroseness, and this evening the first glimpse of his face was sufficient warning.
He entered the dining-room and stood on the hearthrug reading an evening paper.
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