The Aspern Papers

by Henry James

“Isn’t it a luxury, precisely? That’s why, intending to be in Venice a few weeks, likely all summer season, and having a few literary work, a few reading and writing to do, just so I need to be quiet, and however if viable a wonderful deal within the outdoors—that’s why I actually have felt that a lawn is truly integral. I attraction on your personal revel in,” I went on, smiling. “Now can’t I examine yours?” “I don’t recognize, I don’t apprehend,” the bad woman murmured, planted there and letting her embarrassed eyes wander throughout my strangeness. “I mean most effective from one of these domestic home windows—such grand ones as you have got right right here—if you may permit me open the shutters.” And I walked closer to the back of the residence. When I had advanced midway I stopped and waited, as though I took it as a right she should accompany me. I have been of necessity very abrupt, but I strove at the same time to give her the have an effect on of excessive courtesy. “I have been looking at supplied rooms all around the region, and it seems now not possible to find any with a lawn attached. Naturally in an area like Venice gardens are unusual. It’s absurd if you want, for a person, however I can’t stay with out plants.”