tself. Yvette dreams of falling "violently in love" (12) and Matilda hints at love through "heading for the open gate" (Mansfield 58). Both seem to imply the context of a society that pretends desire only occurs on a limited basis within marriage or class structure, "for fear the thought was obscene", (115). Anything outside of that realm of possibility should not be expressed. Mansfield implies the passion that Matilda feels for Mr. Bullen with her heart racing and "him waiting for her" (55). Matilda feels content upon entrance to her piano teachers' home. There is warmth that overcomes her through the smells and images that surround her senses. Matilda has a feeling that they know "everything about each other" (55) which suggests intimacy on her part. From Mr. Bullens point of view, there is only a portrayal of adult concern as in two instances Matilda is reminded that she is still a "little lady" (55). Yvette "lay and wishes she were a gypsy" (52). The life of the gipsy is different in every way from her own, she is smitten by him with her "childlike eyes"(67) but still paralyzed by the fear of social convention for "fear the thought was obscene" (115). The gypsies were most outside the world she was brought up in therefore subject to her fascination. The dark and handsome gipsy was a fantasy man for Yvette one in which she knew she could not have but wanted just the same. Both of these male figures were portrayed with washed hands implying cleanliness in thought and deed. Mr. Bullen may not have had passionate thoughts about Matilda as she had for him. The gipsy nevertheless had a strong desire for Yvette as many looks passed between them in there brief encounters, "his big, bold eyes upon her, with the naked insinuation of desire in them." (53)The hierarchy is a strong maternal figure in both stories. The heads of the household are portrayed as negative figures. Matilda is presumably an average adolescent rebelling a...
