Xingu

In this gem of a short story Edith Wharton''s talent for satire shines. Mrs. Ballinger and the ladies of the Lunch Club that exclusive group dedicated to literature and erudition are eagerly anticipating a visit by the noted novelist Osric Dane. Her books have been read by all the members except their newest Mrs. Roby whose idea of a perfect novel is one that entertains and preferably ends with marriage for the hero and heroine. It''s painfully clear to Mrs. Ballinger and the others that Mrs. Roby is not on their intellectual plane. The excitement of Osric Dane''s arrival is soon quelled by that lady''s bored disdainful manner. She refuses to be drawn into a discussion of her books and the sense of discouragement produced by her entrance visibly increased the Lunch Club''s eagerness to please her. Each member endeavors to impress their guest with the club''s studies of art sociology ethics and psychology.When queried by the great lady as to which branch of psychology no one is quite able to recall and they lamely suppose this is because they have been so absorbed in....A dreadful silence.In Xingu? Mrs. Roby gently prompts.