The narrative unfolds in a restaurant where Sir Lulworth Quayne and his nephew engage in a discussion about societal issues, particularly focusing on the suffragette movement. Sir Lulworth reflects on the various tactics employed by suffragettes to gain attention and support for their cause, highlighting their failures and the absurdity of some of their methods, such as releasing trained parrots during a royal event and vandalizing art at the Royal Academy Exhibition. The conversation shifts to a pivotal moment when Lena Dubarri, a suffragette leader, meets Waldo Orpington, a frivolous man who suggests a new strategy: instead of destructive protests, they should focus on fundraising. This leads to a significant change in the suffragette approach, as they begin to collect money from their supporters rather than directly confronting politicians. As the suffragettes amass funds, their intentions remain unclear, creating an air of mystery. Lena hints at a grand plan involving the construction of replicas of the Victoria Memorial in various locations, which would serve as a constant reminder of their struggle for the vote. This idea provokes concern from the Prime Minister, who realizes the potential public outcry and the psychological impact of such monuments. In response to the threat posed by the suffragettes' plan, the Prime Minister quickly introduces legislation to prevent the erection of commemorative statues near public highways, effectively neutralizing the suffragettes' strategy without granting them the vote. The story concludes with a satirical twist, illustrating the absurdity of political maneuvering and the lengths to which those in power will go to maintain the status quo. The narrative critiques both the suffragette movement's tactics and the political system's response to their demands, ultimately revealing the complexities and challenges of social change.
By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Satire, Political Fiction, Social Commentary