And brazen-mailed Achaians have endured
So long so many evils for the sake
Of that one woman.'"
—(Bryant's Version.)
Perhaps the most remarkable instance in modern literature of the use of this expedient is Mr. Kipling's tale of "Mrs. Bathurst." The story is all about the woman from whom it takes its title; but she never for a moment appears upon the scene of action, and is portrayed entirely through her effect upon several different men. Here is a bit of conversation concerning her. Note her effect upon the humorous and not especially sensitive Pyecroft.—
"Said Pyecroft suddenly:—
"'How many women have you been intimate with all over the world, Pritch?'
"Pritchard blushed plum color to the short hairs of his seventeen-inch neck.
"''Undreds,' said Pyecroft. 'So've I. How many of 'em can you remember in your own mind, settin' aside the first—an' per'aps the last—and one more?'