W Somerset Maugham

Liza of Lambeth W Somerset Maugham

Liza Kemp spent most of her free time on the streets of Lambeth. She was not exactly a loose girl, but her dress and actions provoked whistles and jeers whenever she appeared. Liza's father was dead, and her mother, living on a small pension, earned enough as a charwoman to keep herself in beer. She never spoke a kind word to her daughter, although she expected Liza to hand over all of her money and spend all her time with her mother. Like most girls of her class, Liza worked in a factory and made only enough money to live and to buy a few items of cheap finery. After a merry dance in the streets of Lambeth, Liza was chased by several young men trying to kiss her. As she fled, only half in earnest, she ran straight into the arms of a stranger and was soundly kissed. She flounced off and found herself strangely moved by the unexpected experience. That night Tom, her earnest and persistent suitor, called on her as usual. Although Liza liked Tom, she did not love him, and so she tried to send him away without hurting his feelings. Tom, however, was stubborn. He begged her to take time to consider his proposal. When he asked her to go on an outing the next day, she refused. She did not want him to spend his money or his hopes on her.