Summary
"Mrs. Bathurst" is a thought-provoking tale set in the years following the Boer War in Glengariff, South Africa. It unfolds through a vibrant conversation among four men who recollect the tragic story of Mrs. Bathurst, a hotel owner from New Zealand, and her enigmatic lover, Mr. Vickery. The narrative uniquely begins with an excerpt from Kipling’s mock-Jacobean tragedy, "Lyden’s 'Irenius,'" introducing themes of fate and providence that weave into the tale.
The Unfolding Conversation
The story opens with the narrator encountering Mr. Hooper, an inspector for the Cape Government Railways. Together, they hitch a ride on a chalk-car undergoing repairs. As they chat, Mr. Hooper is about to share something intriguing when they are interrupted by the exuberant Mr. Pyecroft and his sizable friend, Sergeant Pritchard, who join them on the car. Pritchard and Pyecroft, both old acquaintances of the narrator, are introduced to Mr. Hooper, setting the stage for the fascinating discussion that follows.
Tales from the Past
The conversation shifts to the curious case of "Boy Niven," who enticed sailors into the British Columbian wilderness with promises of land, only for them to face court-martial for desertion. Among these sailors were Pritchard and Pyecroft, who share tales of comrades like Spit-Kid Jones, a sailor who married a "coconut-woman" and later deserted the ship Astrild. This reminiscing naturally steers the discussion to Mr. Vickery, also known as "Click" due to his loud false teeth.
A Woman Named Mrs. Bathurst
The focus then turns to the enigmatic Mrs. Bathurst, with Pyecroft hinting that she was the reason behind Vickery's desertion. Described as a widow who ran a hotel near Auckland, she was known for her kindness and generosity, evidenced by tales of her accommodating sailors on credit and personally reserving beer for Pritchard with her hair ribbon. Her character shines through Pritchard's words, marking her as a blend of compassion and bravery, someone who left a lasting impression on all who met her.
The Indelible Memory
Pyecroft and Pritchard agree that Mrs. Bathurst stood out among the many women they had encountered. Pyecroft reflects on the elusive quality that makes certain individuals unforgettable, noting that Mrs. Bathurst possessed a rare "It" factor that left a permanent mark on one's memory, contrasting sharply with forgettable acquaintances.
The Haunting Cinema
The conversation circles back to Vickery, as Pyecroft recounts their last encounter aboard the ship Hierophant. In Cape Town, Vickery's request to visit the cinema felt peculiar due to his unsettling demeanor. At the theater, Vickery anticipated the "Home an' Friends" segment, which showcased newsreel footage, hoping for a glimpse of Mrs. Bathurst.
Then the Western Mail came in to Paddin’ton on the big magic lantern sheet... She walked on and on till she melted out of the picture—like—like a shadow jumpin’ over a candle, an’ as she went I ’eard Dawson in the tickey seats be’ind sing out: ‘Christ! There’s Mrs. B!’ (Excerpt from "Mrs. Bathurst")
The Obsession
Vickery, seemingly mesmerized by Mrs. Bathurst’s appearance in the film, returned to the cinema night after night, dragging Pyecroft along. Pyecroft admits he couldn’t comprehend the intensity of Vickery’s obsession, remarking on Vickery's conviction that Mrs. Bathurst was in England searching for him. This fixation left Pyecroft uneasy, concerned about Vickery’s mental state and potential volatility once the film left town.
The Journey's End
Pyecroft concludes the narrative with Vickery's mysterious mission to Bloemfontein, supposedly to oversee naval ammunition but truly to see Mrs. Bathurst’s image again, as the cinema had moved to Worcester. Their final parting was marked by Vickery's cryptic words, "Remember, that I am not a murderer, because...
(This entire section contains 727 words.)
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my lawful wife died in childbed six weeks after I came out," leaving Pyecroft with only silence, echoing the tragic end of Hamlet.
The Final Revelation
Vickery vanished after his Bloemfontein trip, his fate unknown until Mr. Hooper recounts a grim discovery on a railway line cutting through a teak forest. Two tramps had been struck by lightning, one of whom bore tattoos and false teeth matching Vickery’s description. This revelation leaves Pritchard shaken, and Mr. Hooper’s empty hand, poised to reveal something, seems to symbolize the unresolved mystery surrounding Vickery’s demise. Pyecroft is relieved to be free from the haunting image of Vickery, grateful that whatever drove him is now at rest.