Howard's End is a 1910 novel by E.M. Forster. And "Howard's End" is a house. You learn that on the first page.
The book is about the house, but it is also about the personalities who inhabit the house and their ambitions - in some cases the ambition to do good.
Here is an exchange brought about by miscommunication, mistaken identity, and the willfullness to insert yourself in someone else's business.
Mrs. Munt-such is human nature-determined that she would champion the lovers. She was not going to be bullied by a severe young man. "Yes, they care for one another very much indeed," she said. "I dare say they will tell you about it by-and-by. We heard this morning."
And Charles clenched his fist and cried, "The idiot, the idiot, the little fool!"
Mrs. Munt tried to divest herself of her rugs. "If that is your attitude, Mr. Wilcox, I prefer to walk." "
I beg you will do no such thing. I take you up this moment to the house. Let me tell you the thing's impossible, and must be stopped."
Mrs. Munt did not often lose her temper, and when she did it was only to protect those whom she loved. On this occasion she blazed out. "I quite agree, sir. The thing is impossible, and I will come up and stop it. My niece is a very exceptional person, and I am not inclined to sit still while she throws herself away on those who will not appreciate her."
Howard's End is very cynical and very true to life. That is why the book still reads well today.
An excellent 1992 movie adaptation by Merchant and Ivory starred Emma Thompson, Vanessa Redgrave, Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter.
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