The Colonel’s Lady Discussion 1) We think both are guilty because Evie knew that there were things that she was doing that George was not interested and he didn’t want to share things with his wife neither. None wanted to do things to make feel comfortable on the other. This influenced in the distance between them. We think George had that thought because, in that time, men searched women with certain characteristics. Women who can care home, can attend their husbands to the social events. A healty, beautiful and faithful woman. So, he saw as an ideal woman. He thought she would be an "useful" woman in their future. He saw her as a decorative and functional element to the social demands, the usual idea, of the time. 2) We think Evie didn’t have a lover because if she was in love with a man, and the man died, she would be very sad and, in this case, George would have noticed that. Also we think she wouldn’t had written a book about her adventure and, even less, would have published. She wrote the book because, maybe, she wanted an adventure, like in her book, because she felt abandoned by her own husband. In this way, she could unburden her sorrows. 3) We think the relationship won’t be different from now on they was already apart from each other. This doesn’t make any difference. Only George will be suspicious of her for, maybe, a month and then will be just the same. The uncertainty made him more indifferent than before. There maybe a higher distance between them. So, we think it doesn’t matter if she had a real lover or not because the couple is already estranged. Language Focus 1) a) Vocabulary and expressions in the story that show George Peregrine as a typical, very conventional country gentelman: "He looked at his letters and then, opening The Times, began to read it” “At the end of the war he retired and settled down to the life of a country gentleman in the spacious house…” “He was a good shot, a golfer, and though now a little over fifty he could still play hard game of tennis. He could describe himself with propriety as an allround sportsman” “He had been putting on weight lately, but was still a fine figure of a man” “He was a public-spirited man” “He would have been an excellent father…” “Well, a man, a healthy normal man had to have some fun on his life” “But the colonel had good manners and he answered with a proper civility…”
“He lit his pipe and read the Field till he felt sleepy” “At five o’clock they [ Evie and George] went along to the restaurant car to have tea and chatted a little”
b) Vocabulary and expressions in the story that show Evie as a woman who is no longer young or attractive: “She had been a pretty little thing when he married her…” “… of course she was faded now, she must be getting on for five and forty; her skin was drab, her hair had lost its sheen, and she was as thin as a rail” “…but she didn´t seem to bother how looked, she ware no make-up and didn’t even use lipstick” “…but ordinarily she was - well, the sort of woman you simply didn't notice” “… She hadn’t any vitality, that's what the matter with her” “Evie was as she always was (…) a middle-aged woman who made no effort to look younger than she was” 2) a) "Did it cost you a packet?": ask if she had trouble doing it b) "I've half a mind to do it": means he has in mind the idea of do it c) "I don't think that's your cup of tea" : do you say that when something is not for the other person, is unusual in him/her. d) "Selling like hot cakes": means something sells very much and fast e) "Hot stuff": mean a fashionable topic f) "Come of it": means "Say it!" or "C'mon, say it", urge to say something g) "I must bolt" means he must go to some place (go out) h) "I must watch my step": means he should pay attention to what he will do i) "All that’s a bit above my head" means it is something that exceeds him j) "it’s no good crying over split milk": means not worth getting hurt by past events Activities 1) George returned home determined to find out the truth, he couldn’t continue living as if nothing had happened. When he arrived, he was glad that Evie was not at home, went upstairs and went secretly to her room and looked in her drawers. "If she had a real lover, sure she has letters from him." All he found was clothing and the book manuscript. Again ordered the Evie’s garments. "Where did she could hide something?" He looked in the closet but there was nothing in there. Then he put his hand under his pillow and felt something hard under her, was a notebook with wood top that read "Diary." He opened it and started reading ... She was beginning to write since they were married. At first he felt the joy of his wife being married a man so interesting and ideal. Pages ennobled him and filled him with pride in himself. "How could I think evil of Evie? Someone as innocent as Evie ... "
But he keep reading and his smile was wiped from the face, Evie had lost enthusiasm for passing each page, illustrating the solitary life of a woman disappointed. Over the pages, she named him less and if she did it, was very indifferent. He felt bad for her. Suddenly the door opened and Evie came. She was quite surprised. She looked at George and then the book in their hands. "Evie I'm sorry ..." "Why? What are you looking for? "He said in a sharp way and took the book from his hands "I ... I just wanted ..." "What George? What did you want to know? " He gave her a thoughtful and sad look. "If you were happy ..." he said "If you really care, you should have worried before" George looked at her sadly, he knew she was right. He left his wife's diary on the bed and left the room. 2) Journalist: -Good Morning, Mr. Peregrine! What can you say about your wife’s book? George: -Good morning, I’m think this is a good book with an interesting plot… I don’t like very much de poetry but this book, I think, is good. J: - Do you think these poems are hot? G: - Well, this isn’t a children’s book. Nowadays this kind of literature is the best selling. This book have modern theme, I think this isn´t bad… J: - Yeah, but what do you think about that your wife write that kind of stuff? G: -Mmm… She’s a writer, she can write everything she wants… I don’t want ban her to do her things. J: - Yes, of course, but don’t you feel jealous? G: -I don’t know why should I be jealous J: - C’mon, Mr. Peregrine, you know… Your wife has written about a marry women with a young lover... G: - Yes, why this story should make me jealous? J : -God, Mr. Peregrine! Didn’t the idea cross your mind? That your wife could have really a lover... G: -Mr., I don´t know what are you mean, but I tell you I know my wife, and I think if she had a lover, I would have found it. J: - Mr. Peregrine maybe you don´t know about this part of the Mss. Peregrine’s life… G: - What do you mean?? Really I know my wife, something you don’t. The writings are writings, sir. You need learn more about life… with your permission, I leave.
