Louise Page #2

"Louise" by Hector Hugh Munro, who is better known by his pen name Saki, is a short story that delves into themes of social class, manipulation, and the complexities of human relationships. Set within a seemingly ordinary domestic scenario, the narrative unfolds with a sense of irony and dark humor typical of Saki's style. The story revolves around the character of Louise, revealing her interactions and the subtle power dynamics at play, ultimately leading to an unexpected twist that challenges readers' perceptions. Saki's wit and keen observations shine through, making "Louise" a compelling exploration of the human condition wrapped in a concise, engaging narrative.

• Short story

								

their other name is.  Of course I know one or two other Malcolms, but
none that could possibly be described as delightful.  He gave me two
tickets for the Happy Sunday Evenings in Sloane Square.  I've probably
left them at Mornay's, but still it was awfully kind of him to give them
to me."

"Do you think you left Louise there?"

"I might telephone and ask.  Oh, Robert, before you clear the tea-things
away I wish you'd ring up Mornay's, in Regent Street, and ask if I left
two theatre tickets and one niece in their shop this afternoon."

"A niece, ma'am?" asked the footman.

"Yes, Miss Louise didn't come home with me, and I'm not sure where I left
her."

"Miss Louise has been upstairs all the afternoon, ma'am, reading to the
second kitchenmaid, who has the neuralgia.  I took up tea to Miss Louise
at a quarter to five o'clock, ma'am."

"Of course, how silly of me.  I remember now, I asked her to read the
Faerie Queene to poor Emma, to try to send her to sleep.  I always get
some one to read the Faerie Queene to me when I have neuralgia, and it
usually sends me to sleep.  Louise doesn't seem to have been successful,
but one can't say she hasn't tried.  I expect after the first hour or so
the kitchenmaid would rather have been left alone with her neuralgia, but
of course Louise wouldn't leave off till some one told her to.  Anyhow,
you can ring up Mornay's, Robert, and ask whether I left two theatre
tickets there.  Except for your silk, Susan, those seem to be the only
things I've forgotten this afternoon.  Quite wonderful for me."
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes