Jeroboam Page #2

"Jeroboam" is a short story by Guy de Maupassant that delves into themes of ambition, social status, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative follows the life of a young man, Jeroboam, whose desire for acceptance and recognition leads him on a quest for wealth and influence. As he navigates the intricacies of society, Maupassant explores the dichotomy between genuine character and superficial appearances, revealing the often harsh realities of social aspirations. Through vivid characterizations and a compelling plot, the story reflects the author's keen observations on the human condition and the pursuit of happiness amidst societal pressures.

• Short story

								


"Oh, Lord! To think that twelve times!... twelve times!... a whole
dozen!"

However, she fell into a chair, panting and worn out, and said to
herself:

"Thank Heaven! William looks like he used to do formerly on the days
that he honored me. Thank Heaven! There will be a thirteenth tribe, and
then a fresh series of tribes, for William is very methodical in all
that he does!"

But William merely took a blanket off the bed and threw it over her,
saying in a voice of thunder:

"Your name is no longer Anna, Mrs. Greenfield; for the future you shall
be called Jezabel. I only regret that I have twelve times mingled my
blood with your impure blood." And then, seized by pity, he added: "If
you were only in a state of inebriety, of intoxication, I could excuse
you."

"Well, yes, yes!" she exclaimed, repentantly, "yes, I am in that
state ... Forgive me, William--forgive a poor drunken woman!"

"I will forgive you, Anna," he replied, and he gave her a wash-hand
basin, saying: "Cold water will do you good, and when your head is
clear, remember the lesson which you must learn from this occurrence."

"What lesson?" she asked, humbly.

"That people ought never to depart from their usual habits."

"But why, then, William," she asked, timidly, "have you changed your
habits?"

"Hold your tongue!" he cried--"hold your tongue, Jezabel! Have you not
got over your intoxication yet? For twelve years I certainly followed
the divine precept: increase and multiply, once a year. But since
then, I have grown accustomed to something else, and I do not wish to
alter my habits."

And the Reverend William Greenfield, Vicar of St. Sampson's, Tottenham,
the saintly man whose blood was inflamed by heating food and liquor,
whose ears were like full-blown poppies and who had a nose like a
tomato, left his wife and, as had been his habit for four years, went to
make love to Polly, the servant.

"Now, Polly," he said, "you are a clever girl, and I mean, through you,
to teach Mrs. Greenfield a lesson she will never forget. I will try and
see what I can do for you."

And in order to this, he called her his little Jezabel, and said to her,
with an unctuous smile:

"Call me Jeroboam! You don't understand why? Neither do I, but that does
not matter. Take off all your things, Polly, and show yourself to Mrs.
Greenfield."

The servant did as she was bidden, and the result was that Mrs.
Greenfield never again hinted to her husband the desirability of laying
the foundation of a thirteenth tribe.
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