Mrs. Packletide's Tiger Page #2

"Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" is a witty short story by Hector Hugh Munro, also known as Saki. It revolves around Mrs. Packletide, a wealthy and socialite woman who is driven by her desire to outshine her rival, Lambkin. To gain attention and admiration, she embarks on a hunting expedition in India to bag a tiger. However, her plan takes an unexpected turn when the tiger's death is marred by the comical and ironic circumstances surrounding the hunt. The story satirizes the pretentiousness of high society and explores themes of vanity, competition, and the absurdity of human behavior. With Saki's hallmark humor and keen observations, it delivers both entertainment and a sharp critique of social norms.

• Short story

								


"No one would believe it," said Mrs. Packletide, her face changing
colour as rapidly as though it were going through a book of patterns
before post-time.

"Loona Bimberton would," said Miss Mebbin.  Mrs. Packletide's face
settled on an unbecoming shade of greenish white.

"You surely wouldn't give me away?" she asked.

"I've seen a week-end cottage near Dorking that I should rather like to
buy," said Miss Mebbin with seeming irrelevance.  "Six hundred and
eighty, freehold.  Quite a bargain, only I don't happen to have the
money."

      *      *      *      *      *

Louisa Mebbin's pretty week-end cottage, christened by her "Les
Fauves," and gay in summertime with its garden borders of tiger-lilies,
is the wonder and admiration of her friends.

"It is a marvel how Louisa manages to do it," is the general verdict.

Mrs. Packletide indulges in no more big-game shooting.

"The incidental expenses are so heavy," she confides to inquiring
friends.
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