The Rev. Augustus Horne was a clergyman who had been visiting Antwerp and had become acquainted with a gentleman who was staying at the same hotel as the five ladies. The gentleman had been wearing a pair of black slippers that were cut up by the ladies, who then sold them to each other as relics of General Chassé. The Rev. Horne was amused by the story and said that he was satisfied with the outcome. He also mentioned that the gentleman who owned the slippers was determined to punish those who had wronged him. It is not clear what happened to the five ladies after they left the hotel, but it is likely that they were punished for their actions. The Rev. Horne's satisfaction suggests that justice was served, and the gentleman got his revenge. The story also highlights the foolishness of the five ladies who thought they could get away with stealing and selling someone else's property as relics. They were caught out by the Rev. Horne's friend, who revealed their deceit to them. Overall, the story is a lighthearted tale of revenge and justice, with a humorous tone and a satisfying ending.
By Anthony Trollope · First published 1879 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, Biographical Fiction