# XVI: The Bare Bodkin explained — Mr. Incoul’s Misadventure

> Chapter companion for Mr. Incoul’s Misadventure by Edgar Saltus.

## What happens

Lenox Leigh, reeling from the accusation of cheating at baccarat, wanders the Paris streets in despair. He purchases a lethal dose of poison from a chemist and returns to his hotel room, where he engages in a lengthy philosophical soliloquy on life, death, and the futility of existence. After a moment of hesitation, he injects himself with the poison and experiences a series of vivid sensory hallucinations before slipping into unconsciousness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pessimism and Philosophical Despair

Lenox's soliloquy delves into existential despair, questioning the value of life, ambition, and love, and reflecting on death as a release.

### Revenge and Retribution

Lenox contemplates revenge against Incoul but concludes it would not improve his situation, highlighting the theme of retribution.

### Deception and Betrayal

The chapter revolves around the false accusation of cheating, orchestrated by Incoul, and Lenox's inability to defend himself without betraying Maida.

## Character check-ins

### Lenox Leigh

Lenox is the central figure of the chapter, grappling with disgrace and contemplating suicide after being accused of cheating.

### Mr. Incoul

Incoul is mentioned as the one who placed the marked cards on the talon, framing Lenox.

### Miss Maida Barhyte

Maida is recalled in Lenox's memories as a revelation and a source of past happiness.

## Key lines

> The toils into which he had fallen had been woven with a cunning so devilish in its clairvoyance that every avenue of escape was closed.

The trap set for him was so diabolically clever that he had no way out.

_Lenox realizes the hopelessness of his situation, framed by Incoul._

> He could not exculpate himself at the cost of a woman’s fame.

He could not clear his name if it meant ruining a woman's reputation.

_Lenox's dilemma: proving his innocence would expose Maida's past._

> The proper course, I take it, is to imitate the infant, who faces death without a tremor, and enters it without regret.

The best way is to be like a baby, who dies without fear or regret.

_Lenox rationalizes suicide by comparing it to the innocence of an infant._

## Links

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