Explore "Riceyman Steps" by Arnold Bennett on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Cytherea reigned in Mr. Earlforward's office behind the shop -- invisible, but she was there -- probably reclining -- ask not how! -- on the full red lips (which fascinated Mrs. Arb) of Mr. Earlforward. It was just after four o'clock in the January following their first acquaintance. They sat on opposite sides of Henry's desk, with the electric light extravagantly burning above them. At the front of the shop the day was expiring in faint gleams of grey twilight. Dirt was nothing; disorder was nothing; Mr. Earlforward loved. For weeks he had been steadfastly intending to put the place to rights for his bride, and he had not put it to rights. Dirt and disorder were repugnant to Mrs. Arb, but she had said not a word. She would not interfere or even suggest, before the time. She knew her place; she was a bit prim. The time was approaching, and she could wait.
"I suppose we can use that ring," said Henry, pointing to the wedding ring on Mrs. Arb's hand, which lay on the desk like the defenceless treasure of an invaded city.