‘‘The Fall of Edward Barnard’’ opens with Bateman Hunter returning to Chicago after a visit to Tahiti. He has important news for Isabel Longstaffe, a young woman he deeply admires, but he struggles with how to deliver it.

Bateman's father greets him at the train station and inquires about Edward Barnard. Bateman prefers not to discuss Edward. Once home, Bateman contacts Isabel, and she invites him to dinner that evening. Following a meal with her parents, Bateman and Isabel have a private conversation. She questions whether Edward Barnard will return, and Bateman confirms he will not.

Bateman then shares his lengthy tale, while the narrator provides additional context. Bateman and Edward have been close friends, both enamored with Isabel. Isabel chose Edward, and they became engaged. However, Edward’s father faced financial ruin, leaving Edward without money or prospects. Consequently, Edward arranged to work for a family friend, Braunschmidt, a South Sea merchant with a branch in Tahiti. The plan was for Edward to gain experience in Tahiti for a year or two before returning to Chicago for a job. Isabel agreed to wait for him.

Before Edward left, his father advised him to avoid Arnold Jackson, Edward’s uncle by marriage, known as the family’s black sheep due to his prison sentence for financial fraud. Jackson was residing in Tahiti.

In Tahiti, Edward regularly corresponded with Isabel. Everything seemed fine until Edward stopped mentioning his return to Chicago. Isabel was confused but not worried. Bateman later learned that Edward was no longer working for Braunschmidt, having been dismissed for laziness and incompetence. Bateman decided to visit Honolulu for business and then continue to Tahiti to uncover what was happening with Edward.

Upon reaching Papeete, Tahiti, Bateman was surprised to learn that Edward was recognized as Arnold Jackson’s nephew. He eventually found Edward working as a salesman in a trading store. Though surprised by Edward's modest job, Bateman noticed that Edward seemed content, happy, and at ease.

Back at Bateman’s hotel, the two enjoyed cocktails on the terrace. To Bateman’s confusion and concern, Arnold Jackson joined them. Jackson invited them to dinner at his home, mentioning his wife’s cooking skills, which puzzled Bateman since he knew Jackson had a wife in Geneva. After Jackson left, Edward expressed his admiration and fondness for Jackson, much to Bateman’s dismay. Bateman resolved to understand why his friend was so attached to someone he viewed as disreputable. He also observed that Edward’s values appeared to have shifted.

Jackson's home sat on a hill with a view of the Pacific Ocean. When Edward and Bateman arrived, they decided to go for a swim. Jackson joined them, dressed in a pareo, the traditional attire of the locals. As they walked back to the house, Edward also wore a pareo, but Bateman chose to stick with his Western clothing. At the house, Jackson spoke with an air of idealism and spirituality, reminding Bateman of the man’s questionable past. Jackson’s lovely young daughter, Eva, prepared them a cocktail, and Jackson openly discussed his prison days. Bateman felt both embarrassed and irritated. His discomfort grew when Eva placed a flower garland she had crafted on his head.

After dinner, the three men conversed on the veranda. Jackson shared romantic tales of the island’s history. Once Jackson left them alone, Edward revealed to his friend that he was content in Tahiti and had no intention of returning to Chicago. Bateman urged him to reconsider, suggesting he was under negative influences. Edward then described how he had changed since arriving in Tahiti two years earlier. Initially, he was full of ambition...