Mr. Incoul’s Misadventure · Chapter
XI: The House in the Parc Monceau explained
After a Wall Street crash, Mr.
What happens
After a Wall Street crash, Mr. Incoul rents a furnished house in the Parc Monceau in Paris. He abruptly orders his wife Maida to leave Biarritz, citing a cholera outbreak in Madrid. In Paris, he inspects several apartments before settling on the house, which he furnishes with carriages and horses. The chapter highlights the ease of Parisian housekeeping for those with wealth.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Power
Mr. Incoul's ability to quickly rent a fully furnished house, hire servants, and furnish a stable demonstrates the power of wealth in Paris.
Marriage as Transaction
Mr. Incoul orders Maida to leave without explanation, and she obeys, highlighting the transactional and controlling nature of their marriage.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Incoul
Decides to move the household to Paris after the dinner in Spain, inspects apartments, and rents the house in the Parc Monceau.
- Miss Maida Barhyte
Mr. Incoul's wife; is told they are leaving for Paris at five, reads an English journal to distract herself, and later travels to Paris.
- Karl
Mr. Incoul consults with him before sending a telegram and is seen talking to him in the hall.
Key passages
“There had been a crash in Wall Street. Two of the best houses had gone under. Of one of these the senior partner had had recourse to the bare bodkin.”
A financial collapse on Wall Street ruined two top firms; one partner committed suicide.
Sets the context for the availability of the house in the Parc Monceau.
“We leave for Paris at five this afternoon. I beg you will see to it that your things are ready.”
Mr. Incoul informs Maida they are departing for Paris at five and instructs her to pack.
Shows Mr. Incoul's unilateral decision-making in the marriage.
“In a week's time the house in the Parc Monceau ran in grooves. To keep it running the tenants had absolutely nothing to do but to pay the bills.”
Within a week, the household was running smoothly; the only requirement for the tenants was to pay the expenses.
Highlights the ease of maintaining a wealthy Parisian household.