Bed No. 29 (Maupassant)
Short Summary
France, late 19th century. Captain Epivent, a handsome officer of hussars, was known for his conquests with women. He began a relationship with Irma, a beautiful young woman in Rouen.
When war broke out, Epivent left for the front. Upon his return, he learned Irma was in the hospital. He visited her, discovering she had contracted syphilis from Prussian soldiers during the occupation. Irma claimed she had deliberately infected the Prussians as an act of revenge.
Epivent, disgusted and ashamed, tried to distance himself from Irma. However, she continued to write to him. On her deathbed, Irma confronted Epivent about his cowardice and boasted about her actions against the Prussians.
Ah, yes, you are a pretty poser! I know you well. I know you. And I tell you that I have done more harm than you — I — and that I have killed more than all your regiment together. Come now, you coward.
Overwhelmed by her accusations and the situation, Epivent fled the hospital. The next day, he learned of Irma's death. The story ended with Epivent's reputation tarnished among his fellow officers, who mocked him for his association with Irma.
Detailed Summary
The division of the summary into chapters is conditional.
Captain Epivent's Reputation and Lifestyle
Captain Epivent was a handsome officer of hussars who attracted attention wherever he went.
Captain Epivent passed in the street all the ladies turned to look at him. He was the true type of a handsome officer of hussars. He was always on parade, always strutted a little and seemed preoccupied and proud of his leg
He was known for his conquests with women and his disdain for civilians. Captain Epivent held a particular scorn for the middle class and valued only handsome, imposing officers.
He scorned everybody in general, with a difference in the degrees of his scorn. In the first place, for him the middle class did not exist. He looked at them as he would look at animals, without according them more of his attention
The Affair with Irma
When Captain Epivent's regiment came to Rouen, he quickly became known in the town. He attracted the attention of Irma, a beautiful woman said to be the mistress of a rich manufacturer. They began a passionate affair that lasted for a year, openly displaying their relationship in public.
When war was declared, Captain Epivent's regiment was sent to the front. The couple's farewell was emotional and dramatic. During the campaign, the captain conducted himself heroically and received the Cross of Honor.
Return to Rouen and Discovery of Irma's Fate
Upon returning to Rouen after the war, Captain Epivent inquired about Irma but received no definite information. One day, he received a letter from her.
My Dearie: I am in the hospital very ill, very ill. Will you not come and see me? It would give me so much pleasure! Irma.
The captain visited Irma in the hospital, where he discovered she was in the syphilis ward. Irma explained her condition to him.
It was those beasts of Prussians. They took me almost by force and then poisoned me... I do not believe that I shall recover. The doctor says it is very serious.
She then revealed her vengeful actions against the Prussians.
No, the desire to avenge myself came to me when I should have broken away from it. And I poisoned them, too, all, all that I could. As long as there were any of them in Rouen, I had no thought for myself.
The Captain's Reaction and Aftermath
Captain Epivent was shocked and disgusted by Irma's condition and her actions. He struggled to maintain his composure during the visit and left as quickly as he could.
He went away; in fact, he fled, stretching his long legs as he passed between the two rows of beds where the syphilitic patients were becoming excited. And he heard the gasping, stifled voice of Irma pursuing him
The next day, Captain Epivent learned that Irma had died. His regiment discovered the truth about his relationship with Irma, and he became the subject of jokes and ridicule. The captain was left to deal with the consequences of his affair and the stark reality of war's impact on those left behind.