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The Chronicles of Clovis Summary
The Chronicles of Clovis is Saki's third collection of short stories, published in 1911. It features Clovis Sangrail, a mischievous young man who delights in causing discomfort to his pretentious elders, showcasing Saki's sharp wit and satirical prowess.
The Chronicles of Clovis Excerpt
Short Summary: This collection presents a series of stories centered around Clovis Sangrail, whose cunning and audacity expose the absurdities of Edwardian society, blending dark humor with incisive social commentary.
"It would be rather nice if you would put Clovis up for another six days while I go up north to the MacGregors'," said Mrs. Sangrail sleepily across the breakfast-table. It was her invariable plan to speak in a sleepy, comfortable voice whenever she was unusually keen about anything; it put people off their guard, and they generally fell in with her wishes before they realized what was happening. In this instance, however, the stratagem failed. "It would not be at all nice," said her hostess, Mrs. Packletide, with a firmness that was all the more impressive because it was so nicely veiled with deference to the other's possible views. "In the first place, I don't like Clovis; I never have liked him, and I don't mind saying so. I find him distinctly overbearing and unpleasant. And he's quite likely to say annoying things in front of Louisa Mebbin, which that estimable lady would repeat in various quarters with additions of her own. And then," continued Mrs. Packletide, "my household arrangements are at present somewhat upset. I have had to send my parlour-maid to the hospital, and the kitchen-maid is away visiting her mother, who is ill. I don't feel up to entertaining your son as well as coping with these disorganizations." Mrs. Sangrail smiled faintly. She had the gift of being able to smile in a faint, refined manner, even after a hearty meal, which is as much as to say that she could smile at any time when there was occasion to do so. "I am so sorry," she said, in her sleepy voice, "to have to press the matter, but the MacGregors are so very particular about their invitations. They would be quite offended if I curtailed my visit by a single day. And, as you know, I can't afford to offend the MacGregors." "I know," said Mrs. Packletide; "none of us can. We have to live with them, so we may as well agree with them." "Exactly," said Mrs. Sangrail. "So you will have Clovis for six days?" "I will not," said Mrs. Packletide, with a suddenness that took her visitor's breath away; "not for one day, if it comes to that." Mrs. Sangrail smiled again, more faintly than before. "I am so sorry," she said, "to have to press the matter, but I have already written to Clovis to tell him that he is to stay on here for the rest of the week." "In that case," said Mrs. Packletide, "I shall send him over to the Rectory. The vicar and his wife are always pleased to see Clovis." "So they are," said Mrs. Sangrail; "that is why I have written to them to say that Clovis will be away from home for the next six days, and that they will not be troubled by his presence at the Rectory during that period. I wrote the letter in your name, and told them that you were sending it, as you did not want to give them the trouble of writing to you direct." Mrs. Packletide's anger rose, but she kept it under control. "You are very considerate," she said. "I suppose I shall have to put up with your son for the next six days." "I knew you would not desert me in my time of need," said Mrs. Sangrail, and she finished her breakfast in a more wakeful manner than she had yet exhibited."
