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
Division of the summary into chapters is conditional.
The Dashing Captain and His Conquests
In Rouen, Captain Epivent was known for his striking appearance and numerous romantic conquests.
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
The Romance with Irma
Among his conquests was the beautiful Irma, who was reportedly the mistress of a wealthy manufacturer named M. Templier-Papon.
Their affair became the talk of the town, and they openly displayed their relationship. When war was declared, their parting was dramatic and emotional. The captain went off to war, where he distinguished himself and earned the Cross of Honor.
The Tragic Discovery
Upon his return, the captain received a letter from Irma saying she was very ill in the hospital. When he visited, he discovered she was in the syphilis ward.
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.
Irma revealed that she had deliberately infected Prussian soldiers as an act of revenge. The captain, horrified and humiliated, especially after becoming the regiment's laughingstock, tried to distance himself from her.
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.
Despite her pleas, he avoided visiting her again until a chaplain informed him she was dying.
During their final confrontation, Irma proudly declared that she had killed more Prussians than the captain had in battle. Unable to bear her accusations, he fled from the hospital. The next day, he learned of her death.
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