“ You know, Emily was a selfish old woman in her way. She was very generous, but she always wanted a return. She never let people forget what she had done for them—and, that way she missed love. ”
Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920). copy citation
| Author | Agatha Christie |
|---|---|
| Source | The Mysterious Affair at Styles |
| Topic | love generosity selfishness altruism |
| Date | 1920 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/863/863-h/863-h.htm |
Context
“Because, in all this house of mourning, yours are the only eyes that have wept.»
Miss Howard blinked, and a new note crept into the gruffness of her voice.
«If you mean that I was fond of her—yes, I was. You know, Emily was a selfish old woman in her way. She was very generous, but she always wanted a return. She never let people forget what she had done for them—and, that way she missed love. Don't think she ever realized it, though, or felt the lack of it. Hope not, anyway. I was on a different footing. I took my stand from the first. 'So many pounds a year I'm worth to you. Well and good.” source
Miss Howard blinked, and a new note crept into the gruffness of her voice.
«If you mean that I was fond of her—yes, I was. You know, Emily was a selfish old woman in her way. She was very generous, but she always wanted a return. She never let people forget what she had done for them—and, that way she missed love. Don't think she ever realized it, though, or felt the lack of it. Hope not, anyway. I was on a different footing. I took my stand from the first. 'So many pounds a year I'm worth to you. Well and good.” source
Meaning and analysis
