The Queen's Cup

Set in the charming drawing room of Greendale during a gathering, the story unfolds as guests, freshly returned from a shooting party, engage in lively conversation. The atmosphere is intimate, with dusk settling in before the lamps are lit. A curious inquiry about the Italian belief in the Mal Occhio sparks a dialogue between Bertha, the young daughter of Sir John Greendale, and Captain Mallett, who has known her since childhood. Their exchange hints at a blend of youthful innocence and the complexities of belief, setting the stage for deeper themes in the narrative.