On one dreary July afternoon, Mr. Princey finds himself deeply disturbed by a predicament brought upon him by his own daughter, Millicent. Her impulsive actions threaten to upend the life of leisure and respectability he cherishes. Mr. Princey, a man of simple joys, takes pride in his home and enjoys his walks through the village where he is held in high esteem, often indulging in the nostalgia of his youth.

The Family Confrontation

In a storm of anger, Mr. Princey confronts his family, specifically targeting Millicent for her reckless behavior. He grimly outlines the consequences of her actions, suggesting that if caught, she would face the gallows or be condemned to an asylum for the criminally insane. Not sparing his son, George, from his derision, Mr. Princey questions the young man about his medical studies, sarcastically asking if they have equipped him to disguise Millicent’s crime as a mere accident. George, however, confirms the grim reality; Millicent had relentlessly struck their neighbor, Withers, with a croquet mallet, leaving no room for doubt.

Millicent's Unfortunate Encounter

In an attempt to calm his distraught wife with caustic remarks and intimidate Millicent with threats of legal repercussions, Princey demands a full account of the events that unfolded. Millicent recounts how she had sought refuge in the stable from the heavy downpour while packing up the croquet set. It was there that Withers, the young curate from next door, stopped to chat as he took a shortcut on his way to Bass Hill. Millicent, harboring a long-standing affection for Withers, misconstrued his casual mention of marriage, believing it to be a proposal meant for her. When Withers clarified his intention to marry another, Millicent's emotions spiraled, resulting in her violent outburst. With confidence in her family's support, she retreated to the house, assured of their protection.

An Unexpected Visitor

Amidst their deliberations about Withers's demise, Captain Smollett casually enters with a mere tap at the door. Having overheard snippets of their conversation, he assumes they are jesting about Withers’s fate. Coincidentally, Smollett confesses his own dislike for Withers, owing to their rivalry over the same woman.

Princey's Calculated Scheme

Seizing this opportunity, Princey beckons George to the stables for a private word. Shortly after, Princey invites Smollett to view something intriguing. Once at the stables, Princey brazenly points a gun at Smollett, suggesting that a "hunting accident" could easily be arranged to silence him. With Smollett effectively held captive, Princey pitches his plan: Smollett must aid in concealing Withers’s accident lest he wish to share in the blame. Smollett, a man of apparent integrity, concedes that he would likely recall their earlier conversation if Withers's accident became public knowledge.

Silencing Smollett

Unwilling to see his daughter arrested and his own social standing demolished, Princey devises a sinister solution to ensure Smollett’s silence. Though Smollett offers his word, Princey requires more binding assurances. Entertaining the notion of eliminating Smollett, Princey ultimately devises a more cunning strategy. Having noted Smollett's admitted jealousy of Withers, he weaves a narrative that implicates Smollett in the murder. Princey coerces George to land a blow on Smollett, forging signs of a struggle, and forces Smollett to leave incriminating fingerprints on the croquet mallet and the flagstone covering the sewer. Withers's lifeless body is discreetly consigned to the sewer below.

Sealing the Cover-Up

Mr. Princey wipes his brow, relieved at having orchestrated a flawless cover-up. Since Withers's detour to Bass Hill was unforeseen, no one would suspect the Princey residence or its sewer as the site of his end. Back in the drawing room, Mrs. Princey, overcome with gratitude, showers Smollett...