The Swing of the Pendulum is a short story by Katherine Mansfield: The landlady knocked at the door. - 'Come in,' said Viola. - 'There is a letter for you,' said the landlady, 'a special letter' - she held the green envelope in a corner of her dingy apron. - 'Thanks.' Viola, kneeling on the floor, poking at the little dusty stove, stretched out her hand. 'Any answer?'...