Why did the narrator of the …

The narrator of the story, the daughter of Mrs S, wants to forget the address. Actually, the narrator goes to 46, Marconi Street to meet Mrs Dorling. She goes there in search of her mother’s belongings. The narrator’s mother hands over all her articles to Mrs Dorling before leaving her town during the war. Mrs Dorling assures her that they will remain safe in her hands. There is no written agreement. The narrator is not at all convinced with this. She has no faith in Mrs Dorling.

After the war the narrator makes an effort to see Mrs Dorling. But the woman refuses to recognize her. She does not give time to her even for talking. Her uncharitable remarks “Have you come back ?” reveal so many things. Mrs Dorling doesn’t want to receive the narrator. Nor has she any intention of returning the belongings of her dead mother to her. During her second visit, the narrator can’t meet Mrs Dorling. She is not at home. Her daughter is alone in the house. The narrator sees everything there. All the silver cutlery, antique plates and big vases are there. But they are useless now. Their true owner is no more in this world. The narrator resolves never to go there again. She wants to forget the address which is of no use to her now.