The Flower Beneath the Foot

Arthur Annesley Ronald Firbank ( London , January 17, 1886 - Rome , May 21, 1926 ) was a British writer . Born into a wealthy and intellectual family, he had a rebellious and nonconformist character and for this reason his parents sent him to boarding school several times. He a lover of the exotic since his youth, he studied at Uppingham School and in 1905 entered the prestigious Cambridge University , which he left in 1909 (two years after converting to Catholicism ) without...
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Arthur Annesley Ronald Firbank ( London , January 17, 1886 - Rome , May 21, 1926 ) was a British writer .
Born into a wealthy and intellectual family, he had a rebellious and nonconformist character and for this reason his parents sent him to boarding school several times. He a lover of the exotic since his youth, he studied at Uppingham School and in 1905 entered the prestigious Cambridge University , which he left in 1909 (two years after converting to Catholicism ) without earning a degree.

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NEITHER her Gaudiness the Mistress of the Robes, or her Dreaminess the Queen were feeling quite themselves. In the Palace all was speculation. Would they be able to attend the Fêtes in honour of King Jotifa, and Queen Thleeanouhee of the Land of Dates?--Court opinion seemed largely divided. Countess Medusa Rappa, a woman easily disturbable, was prepared to wager what the Countess of Tolga "liked" (she knew), that another week would find the Court shivering beneath the vaulted domes of the Summer-Palace.

"I fear I've no time (or desire) now, Medusa," the Countess answered, moving towards the Royal apartments, "for making bets," though turning before the ante-room door she nodded: "Done!"