The narrative unfolds through the perspective of a writer visiting Orléans, initially to gather material for a biography of Joan of Arc. The town disappoints him with its modernity and lack of authentic historical relics. During his stay, he encounters a peculiar waiter named Jean Bouchon, who seems to have a strange hold over the café's patrons, persistently collecting tips but neglecting to charge for the actual coffee consumed. As the protagonist interacts with the café staff, he learns that Bouchon had died in 1869 after a fall caused by a prank from a fellow waiter. Despite his death, Bouchon continues to haunt the café, only soliciting tips from visitors and strangers, while the regulars are left undisturbed. The protagonist becomes intrigued by this ghostly figure and seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding Bouchon's spectral presence. The story delves into the history of Bouchon's life, revealing his dishonesty as a waiter who pocketed tips meant for the communal box. After his death, his fellow waiters, though initially resentful, attended his funeral and contributed to his burial. Years later, when his grave was exhumed, it was discovered to be filled with coins, presumably the tips he had stolen over the years. This revelation leads to a discussion among the waiters about how to honor Bouchon, resulting in the decision to create a statue in his likeness from the coins found in his grave. The statue, however, does not accurately represent Bouchon, instead depicting a heroic figure that misrepresents his life and death. The protagonist critiques the statue's inscription, which glorifies Bouchon as a martyr for his country, despite the reality of his demise being far less noble. The narrative culminates in a moment of eerie recognition when Bouchon appears at the statue's unveiling, smiling at the patrons before vanishing, suggesting a resolution to his haunting presence. Ultimately, the protagonist leaves Orléans, having abandoned his project on Joan of Arc, and reflects on the absurdity and complexity of Bouchon's legacy, which intertwines themes of memory, honor, and the distortion of truth in the face of myth-making. The story serves as a commentary on how society constructs narratives around individuals, often elevating them to heroic status despite their flawed realities.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy