# The Good Angel explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Martin Rossiter, a guest at the Keiths' country home, is tormented by his rival Aubrey Barstowe, who reads poetry to Elsa Keith. The butler, Keggs, reveals a servants' hall betting pool on Elsa's marriage and advises Martin to let Barstowe monopolize her to make her tired of him. Later, Keggs informs Mr. Keith that Barstowe and Elsa are stranded on an island, having taken a boat that came untied. Martin helps Mr. Keith back to the house but avoids the rescue. After the incident, Elsa, furious at Barstowe for enjoying the ordeal, refuses to see him again.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Martin's romantic pursuit of Elsa is central, complicated by rival Barstowe and the servants' betting pool on her marriage.

### Deception and Secrets

Keggs manipulates events and advises Martin secretly, while the servants' hall runs a clandestine sweepstake on Elsa's engagement.

### Comedy and Misunderstanding

The farcical situation of Barstowe and Elsa stranded on an island, and Keggs' scheming, drive the chapter's humor.

## Character check-ins

### Martin Rossiter

Protagonist; in love with Elsa Keith, intimidated by butler Keggs, and frustrated by rival Aubrey Barstowe.

### Keggs

The Keiths' butler; dignified and manipulative, reveals the servants' betting pool and advises Martin on winning Elsa.

### Elizabeth

Elsa Keith; the object of Martin's affection, initially drawn to Barstowe's poetry but later resentful after being stranded.

### Mr. Rackstraw

Mr. Keith; host of the house party, twists his ankle while investigating the stranded couple.

## Key lines

> Any man under thirty years of age who tells you he is not afraid of an English butler lies.

No young man is truly unafraid of an English butler, no matter how brave he acts.

_Opening line establishing the intimidating presence of butlers like Keggs._

> I should like to take you by the scruff of your neck and—

Martin wants to physically attack Keggs but is thwarted by the butler's calm evasion.

_Martin's frustration with Keggs' manipulative behavior._

> He said it was like Omar Khayyam in the Wilderness and Shelley’s Epipsychidion

Barstowe compared their island ordeal to romantic poetry, which infuriated Elsa.

_Elsa's recounting of Barstowe's insufferable enjoyment of the situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_42_se/chapters/the-good-angel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_42_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_42_se/chapters