Edith Wharton

Name: The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII
Author: Edith Wharton

The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

Summary

“The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII”, published in 1913, is a work by Edith Wharton. It explores elements such as Undine, Spragg and Marvell.

Quotes from The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (Edith Wharton)

Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

“ You know he wants to paint me." Undine fluttered and beamed as the brilliant Popple made his way across the stalls to the seat which her neighbour had momentarily left.
"First-rate chap next to you--whoever he is--to give me this chance," the artist declared. "Ha, Ralph, my boy, how did you pull it off? That's what we're all of us wondering." He leaned over to give Marvell's hand the ironic grasp of celibacy. "Well, you've left us lamenting: he has, you know. Miss Spragg. But I've got one pull over the others--I can paint you! He can't forbid that, can he? Not before marriage, anyhow!" ”

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Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

“ She had grown white to the lips, and when she tried to speak the effort produced only a faint click in her throat. She felt that the change in her appearance must be visible, and the dread of letting Marvell see it made her continue to turn her ravaged face to her other neighbour. The round black eyes set prominently in the latter's round glossy countenance had expressed at first only an impersonal and slightly ironic interest; but a look of surprise grew in them as Undine's silence continued. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

“ Van Degen's box through his opera-glass. Clare, as if aware of the scrutiny fixed on her from below leaned back and threw a question over her shoulder to Ralph Marvell, who had just seated himself behind her.
"Who's the funny man with the red face talking to Miss Spragg?"
Ralph bent forward. "The man next to her? Never saw him before. But I think you're mistaken: she's not speaking to him." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

“ I daresay you'll be invited to some of the sittings--that's for Miss Spragg to say.--Ah, here comes your neighbour back, confound him--You'll let me know when we can begin?"
As Popple moved away Undine turned eagerly to Marvell. "Do you suppose there's time? I'd love to have him to do me!"
Ralph smiled. "My poor child--he WOULD 'do' you, with a vengeance. Infernal cheek, his asking you to sit--"
She stared. "But why? He's painted your cousin, and all the smart women."
"Oh, if a 'smart' portrait's all you want!"
"I want what the others want," she answered, frowning and pouting a little. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

“ Fairford gave his evenings to bridge at his club. The party, therefore, consisted only of Undine and Ralph, with Mrs. Fairford and her attendant friend. Undine vaguely wondered why the grave and grey-haired Mr. Bowen formed so invariable a part of that lady's train; but she concluded that it was the York custom for married ladies to have gentlemen "'round" (as girls had in Apex) , and that Mr. Bowen was the sole survivor of Laura Fairford's earlier triumphs. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

“ She turned and lifted a smile of possessorship to Ralph. Mrs. Fairford seemed also struck by the presence Of the two ladies, and Undine heard her whisper to Mr. Bowen: "Do you see Clare over there--and Harriet with her? Harriet WOULD COME--I call it Spartan! And so like Clare to ask her!"
Her companion laughed. "It's one of the deepest instincts in human nature. The murdered are as much given as the murderer to haunting the scene of the crime."
Doubtless guessing Ralph's desire to have Undine to himself, Mrs. Fairford had sent the girl in first ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

“ Clare Van Degen turned gaily to her cousin. "If he has anything to do with the Driscolls you'd better cultivate him! That's the kind of acquaintance the Dagonets have always needed. I married to set them an example!" ”

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Source: Wikisource

Edith Wharton, The Custom of the Country — Chapter VIII (1913)

“ Fairford's wake. Their stalls were near the stage, and progress thither was slow enough to permit of prolonged enjoyment of this sensation. Before passing to her place she paused for Ralph to remove her cloak, and as he lifted it from her shoulders she heard a lady say behind her: "There she is--the one in white, with the lovely back--" and a man answer: "Gad! ”

Edith Wharton

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