The narrative revolves around a young boy named Clovis, who is sent to stay with Lady Bastable while his mother, Mrs. Sangrail, visits friends. Lady Bastable is wary of Clovis, having experienced his mischievous behavior in the past. Despite her reluctance, Mrs. Sangrail persuades her to accept Clovis by offering to cancel a small debt from a bridge game, which Lady Bastable values highly. Once Clovis arrives, he is displeased with the arrangement, as he had wanted to teach the MacGregor boys a card game. Lady Bastable, meanwhile, is preoccupied with her belief that a social upheaval is imminent. Seizing an opportunity for mischief, Clovis concocts a false alarm about a "jacquerie," leading the household staff into a panic. He runs through the house, causing chaos, and the servants, believing they are under attack, follow him in a frenzy. Lady Bastable, caught off guard, joins the fray and escapes through the French window, abandoning her dignity. The ensuing chaos leaves both her and the staff embarrassed, but they eventually return to a semblance of normalcy by lunchtime. The meal is served with an air of formality, contrasting sharply with the earlier turmoil. In the end, Mrs. Sangrail receives a cheque for the bridge debt, and Clovis successfully teaches the MacGregor boys the card game he desired, highlighting his cunning and the absurdity of the situation. The story concludes with a sense of irony, as Clovis's antics lead to both his mother's relief and Lady Bastable's dismay.
By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Comedy, Social Satire, Short Story