The Reverent Wooing of Archibald - Plot Summary

Plot Summary

As it nears closing-time at the Angler's Rest, several drinkers discuss changing trends in modern society, especially concerning the proportions and personality of young women. Four men, identified by their drinks – a Gin-and-Ginger-Ale, a Draught Stout, a Small Bass, and a Double-Whisky-and-Splash – conclude that the reason for the disappearance of the "dignified, queenly type of girl" cannot be discovered or understood. Mr Mulliner, drinking a hot Scotch and lemon, interrupts to disagree with his companions, conjecturing that, because young men had such fear of proposing to queenly women, their disappearance was Nature's method of ensuring that humanity continued to propagate. He had become convinced that this was the case upon observing the behavior of his nephew Archibald when he was in love with Aurelia Cammarleigh.

Archibald first saw Miss Cammarleigh from out the window of the Drones Club and, though he immediately fell in love, he was careful to mask his feelings when enquiring of a fellow Drone, Algy Wymondham-Wymondham, whether he knew her. Algy does, and informs Archibald of her name as well as her family circumstances: she lives in Park Street with a "potty" aunt, who believes that Francis Bacon wrote the plays attributed to William Shakespeare.

Archibald departs to buy socks and contemplate whether Aurelia would be attracted to him. He concludes that his primary talent, a masterful impression of a hen laying an egg, is insufficient; indeed, he becomes convinced that she would be put off by such a vulgar display. Consequently, when he first meets her at Ascot several weeks thereafter, he denies vehemently the ability to do the impression.