A cup of tea story

A Cup of Tea by Katherine Mansfeld

This short story initially describes Rosemary Fell’s way of living: careless, used to getting what she wants, to getting flattered by the people she frequents at places such as flower shops and antique shops. One day, after going shopping, Rosemary encounters a girl called Ms. Smith, a beggar, on the street; Ms. Smith asks Rosemary for enough money to buy a cup of tea. Instead of giving her the money and going back to her activities, Rosemary offers and insists on taking Ms. Smith to her home. Once they were at Rosemary’s, Ms. Smith got a cup of tea and comfort from Rosemary. Rosemary was patient and kind to the girl she found on the street. At first, Rosemary only wanted to take Ms. Smith home with her because she was amused by the idea of a story she could picture being read: “kind wealthy woman gives a home to those in need.” When Rosemary’s husband, Philip, found out about this, he was in awe. How could his wife bring a total stranger to their home? So he asked to see her in private. He questioned Rosemary about her intentions and made his disapprovement of the situation going on in his own home clear to his wife. When Rosemary tried to defend her actions and discuss the stay of Ms. Smith, Phillip tried one more tactic. “She is so astonishingly pretty.” This was enough to surprise Rosemary and ignite the jealousy in her. If there was one thing she lacked, was beauty. By the time the conversation between Phillip and Rosemary ended, she went directly for her checkbook and sent the girl away. When Rosemary and Phillip had dinner, she tried to subtly ask him what he thought about her, about her physique. It was clear that even though she could get whatever she wanted, her insecurities would always get the best of her.

Synthesized summary:

Rosemary Fell was a wealthy, careless woman. One day, she encountered a beggar, Ms. Smith; she was asking for money to buy a cup of tea. Though Rosemary’s intentions were questionable, she invited Ms. Smith to her home. Once there, Rosemary’s husband Phillip expressed his disapproval, but this being rejected by Rosemary, Phillip had to appeal to Rosemary’s insecurities by commenting on Ms. Smith’s beauty. Surprised and with fragile feelings, Rosemary gave Ms. Smith a check and showed her the way out.