Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 1.pdf/289

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THE WONDERFUL VISIT

starting up and appealing to the inexorable fates. "What have I done?"

"There's no knowing," said Mrs. Hinijer. "Though a deal of talk in the village."

"Bother!" said the Vicar, going and staring out of the window. Then he turned. "Look here, Mrs. Hinijer! Mr. Angel will be leaving this house in the course of a week. Is that enough?"

"Quite," said Mrs. Hinijer. "And I feel sure, Sir.…"

The Vicar's eyes fell with unwonted eloquence upon the door.

§ 45

"The fact is," said the Vicar, "this is no world for Angels."

The blinds had not been drawn, and the twilight outer world under an overcast sky seemed unspeakably grey and cold. The Angel sat at table in dejected silence. His inevitable departure had been proclaimed. Since his presence hurt people and made the Vicar wretched he acquiesced in the justice of the decision, but what would happen to him after his plunge he could not imagine. Something very disagreeable certainly.

"There is the violin," said the Vicar. "Only after our experience——

"I must get you clothes—a general outfit. Dear me! you don't understand railway travelling! And coinage! Taking lodgings! Eating-houses! I must come up at least and see you settled. Get work

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