Skylark

Their ugly spinster daughter - nicknamed Skylark - has left them for an unprecedented holiday with relatives in the country. At first the couple, whose entire existence revolves around their daughter, are devastated by her absence. Slowly, however, they rediscover the delights and diversions of small-town society life. Accustomed to a dull, reclusive existence with Skylark, of whom they are secretly ashamed, their awakening is masterfully described against the vivid background of the bustling fin-de-siecle town and its memorable characters. Finally they are forced to confront the disturbing truth: their daughter is a burden and has deprived them of all the pleasures of life. Their outward expression of affection conceals a smouldering resentment. When Skylark's train home is delayed, her father even hopes for the worst.