Short Fiction · Chapter
The Almanac explained
Vera Durmot proposes to Clovis the idea of compiling a local almanac of vague, safe predictions to make a comfortable income.
What happens
Vera Durmot proposes to Clovis the idea of compiling a local almanac of vague, safe predictions to make a comfortable income. They discuss various forecasts that are likely to come true, such as servant troubles, bad luck at golf, and a vicar's sermon. The almanac is a success, with most predictions fulfilling themselves or being interpreted as such. However, Vera worries about a specific prediction regarding Jocelyn Vanner's safety in the hunting field, which has not come true. Clovis later fabricates a story about being involved in a Balkan revolution and carrying compromising documents, warning Jocelyn that a mysterious man is after him and might target her as well. Frightened, Jocelyn flees into the undergrowth, and the incident boosts the almanac's sales.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Facade
Vera and Clovis discuss making predictions that are deliberately vague and safe, exploiting people's credulity for profit, while maintaining a facade of prophetic insight.
The Absurdity of Social Rituals
The almanac's predictions cater to trivial social concerns like servant troubles and golf luck, and Clovis's elaborate lie about a revolution satirizes the drama of hunting field gossip.
Characters to notice
- Vera Durmot
Proposes the idea of a local almanac and discusses its predictions with Clovis.
- Clovis Sangrail
Engages in conversation with Vera about the almanac and later fabricates a story to frighten Jocelyn Vanner.
- Jocantha Bessbury
Mentioned as Jocelyn Vanner, the subject of a failed prediction; later frightened by Clovis's story.
Key passages
“Has it ever struck you that one might make a comfortable income by compiling a local almanac, on prophetic lines, like those that the general public buy by the half million?”
Vera asks Clovis if he has considered making money by creating a local almanac with predictions, similar to popular ones sold in large quantities.
Vera introduces the central idea of the chapter.
“I should begin with the prediction that the vicar would preach a moving New Year sermon from a text in Colossians; he has always done so since I can remember, and at his time of life men dislike change.”
Vera plans to start the almanac with a safe prediction about the vicar's annual sermon, knowing he never varies his routine.
Illustrates Vera's strategy of making predictions that are almost certain to come true.
“I couldn't risk being very definite about any particular event; as it is I have rather tied myself up over Jocelyn Vanner.”
Vera admits she avoided specific predictions but made a mistake with one about Jocelyn Vanner's safety.
Shows Vera's concern about the almanac's reputation when a prediction fails.
“Do you see that man over there, on the roan? That man was outside my aunt's house when I escorted the princess to her carriage.”
Clovis points to a stranger and claims he has been following him since his involvement in a Balkan revolution.
Clovis begins his fabricated story to frighten Jocelyn.