Jeeves Stories · Chapter
The Metropolitan Touch explained
Bertie receives a telegram from Bingo Little declaring he is in love again, this time with Mary Burgess, and begging Bertie to bring Jeeves to Twing.
What happens
Bertie receives a telegram from Bingo Little declaring he is in love again, this time with Mary Burgess, and begging Bertie to bring Jeeves to Twing. Jeeves, already informed via his network, advises supporting Bingo as Mary is a good influence. However, the scheming Steggles sabotages Bingo by engineering a disastrous eating contest between Bingo's charge and another boy, leading Mary to break off relations. Jeeves suggests Bingo engage in good works to redeem himself, but Bertie is skeptical.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Bingo's romantic pursuit of Mary Burgess drives the plot, highlighting the complications and social pressures of courtship.
Deception and Identity
Steggles's manipulative scheme to sabotage Bingo through a rigged eating contest exemplifies deceptive tactics.
Comedy of Manners
The chapter satirizes romantic conventions, social betting, and the absurdity of Bingo's earnest yet bumbling behavior.
Characters to notice
- Bertie Wooster
Narrator and friend to Bingo; receives Bingo's telegram and discusses the situation with Jeeves.
- Jeeves
Valet; already knows about Bingo's love for Mary Burgess via his butler friend; advises supporting Bingo and later suggests good works as a remedy.
- Bingo Little
Bertie's friend; falls in love with Mary Burgess, sends an embarrassing telegram, and is sabotaged by Steggles.
- Steggles
Young man studying at the vicarage; sabotages Bingo by arranging a eating contest and takes bets against him.
- Mary Burgess
Object of Bingo's affection; niece of Reverend Heppenstall; breaks off relations with Bingo after the eating contest incident.
Key passages
“I say Bertie old man I am in love at last. She is the most wonderful girl Bertie old man. This is the real thing at last Bertie. Come here at once and bring Jeeves.”
Bingo announces his latest infatuation and urgently requests Bertie and Jeeves to come to Twing.
Bingo's dramatic telegram reveals his pattern of falling in love and his reliance on Bertie and Jeeves.
“I have done what I could, sir, but I fear Mr. Little's chances do not appear bright. Since our last visit, sir, there has been a decidedly sinister and disquieting development.”
Jeeves reports that Bingo's situation has worsened due to Steggles's interference.
Jeeves's understated concern highlights the seriousness of Steggles's sabotage.
“I recommended him to busy himself with good works. About the village, sir. Reading to the bedridden—chatting with the sick—that sort of thing, sir. We can but trust that good results will ensue.”
Jeeves suggests Bingo perform charitable acts to regain Mary's favor.
Jeeves's advice reflects his belief in moral improvement as a social strategy.