"A Cup of Tea" is a short story written by Katherine Mansfield, a prominent New Zealand writer, and was first published in 1922. The story follows the character of Rosemary Fell, a wealthy young woman, who is approached by a homeless girl named Miss Smith while shopping in London. Miss Smith is in desperate need of money and asks Rosemary for a shilling, but Rosemary is initially hesitant to give her the money. However, she is intrigued by Miss Smith's appearance and decides to invite her back to her luxurious home for a cup of tea.The story explores themes of class and privilege, as well as the contrast between the opulent lives of the wealthy and the harsh realities faced by those living in poverty. It also delves into the complexities of human relationships, as Rosemary is forced to confront her own prejudices and assumptions about Miss Smith and her way of life. "A Cup of Tea" is a powerful and thought-provoking short story that offers a poignant commentary on the social and economic inequalities of the early 20th century.

1. A Cup of Tea KATHERINE MANSFIELD
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"A Cup of Tea" is a 1922 short story by Katherine Mansfield. It was first published in The Story-Teller in May 1922. It later appeared in The
Doves' Nest and Other Stories (1923).] Her short stories first appeared in Melbourne in 1907, but literary fame came to her in London after the
publication of a collection of short stories called In a German Pension.
The character Rosemary Fell is a "fictional reconstruction" of Mansfield's wealthy first cousin, once removed, the writer Elizabeth von Arnim.
Rosemary Fell, a wealthy young married to Istat and woman, goes to Curzon Street to shop at a florist's and in an antique shop (in which she
admires, but does not buy, a beautifully painted small ceramic box). Before going to the car, Rosemary is approached by Miss Smith, a poor girl
who asks for enough money to buy tea. Instead, Rosemary drives the girl to her plush house, determined to show her "that dreams do come true"
and "that rich people did have hearts." At the Fells' home, Miss Smith eats her fill of food and tea. She then begins to tell Rosemary of her life until
Rosemary's husband, Philip, comes in. Although initially surprised, Philip recovers and asks to speak to Rosemary alone.
In the library, Philip conveys his disapproval. When Rosemary resists dismissing Miss Smith, Philip tries another, more successful, tactic: He plays
to Rosemary's jealousy and insecurity by telling her how pretty he thinks Miss Smith is. Rosemary retrieves three pound notes and, presumably,
sends the girl away (a far cry from Rosemary's first vow to "look after" and "be frightfully nice to" Miss Smith). Later, Rosemary goes to her
husband and informs him that "Miss Smith won't dine with us tonight." She first asks about the antique box from the morning, but then arrives at
her true concern, quietly asking Philip, "Am I pretty?" The story ends with this question.