In a British colonial setting, a beautiful girl, the daughter of a District Judge, navigates the complexities of social expectations and romantic interests. Her mother is eager for her to secure a wealthy match, particularly with a Commissioner known for his wealth and status, despite his extreme ugliness. The Commissioner, Barr-Saggott, is determined to win the girl's affection and orchestrates an archery tournament, offering a diamond-studded bracelet as a prize, which is essentially a means to propose to her. The girl, Kitty Beighton, is skilled in archery and is expected to win the tournament. However, she is also drawn to a handsome but less affluent young man, Cubbon, who genuinely loves her. As the tournament unfolds, Kitty's performance becomes increasingly erratic, seemingly sabotaging her chances to win the bracelet. Her deliberate misses and fancy shooting create tension, particularly for Barr-Saggott, who is visibly distressed by her actions. Ultimately, a younger competitor unexpectedly wins the tournament, leaving Kitty and her mother in shock. The scene culminates in an awkward moment where Barr-Saggott attempts to present the bracelet to the young winner, while Kitty, feeling humiliated, retreats to Cubbon, who offers her support. The story explores themes of societal pressure, the nature of love, and the conflict between personal desire and social obligation.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Historical Fiction