Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:53 The Story begins 00:46:21 Credits and thanks Stacy Aumonier (1877-1928) was an artist, actor, essayist and author, best known for his highly regarded short stories. He was described by his contemporary John Galsworthy as "one of the best short-story writers of all time". He was born in London into an artistic family of Hugenot descent, his father William Aumonier being a well-known architectural sculptor and his uncle James Aumonier a celebrated landscape painter. For those who'd like to read further, I've put some more detailed biographical notes in the video description.
Entirely too cute of a story! This is nothing at all like stories I am naturally drawn to and would select for myself. In fact, I would have passed it by completely had it not been for Simon narrating it and what a wonderful story I would have missed! Thank you Simon for saving me from my own short sightedness. ❤
Thanks to the story's author, the well-meaning but hapless Miss Bracegirdle wasted the night in a dead man's hotel room. Thanks to that author, I have wasted over 45 minutes. Oh bother!
Miss Bracegirdle needs her own series of stories I think...in which she unwittingly becomes involved - and probably has a hand in solving - macabre crimes!
Millicent Bracegirdle! What a great name. I think next time they ask me my name at Starbucks I'm going to say "Millicent Bracegirdle"😆 Thank you for this fun but intense story Simon. I had a rough day (not as rough as Millicent's) and needed a escape. This did the trick. Hope you have a great holiday. Enjoy the break, you deserve it.😊
How lovely. Miss Bracegirdle had herself an adventure and proved herself, ultimately, resourceful. She had led a restricted life (how could she not with a name like that?) and I hope she'll have more adventures. 😀
Yes. Ultimately she grew in stature from the experience. Such a delightfully quirky and proper lady who found within herself the capacity to withhold facile judgements, the discretion of whom to share her experience with, to query her upbringing , and the presence of mind and resourcefulness to get out of an intolerable situation . Wouldn't it be lovely to see her grow through other tales.
Simon, have a wonderful holiday. Don't worry about anything at home.. We, your faithful viewer fans will keep an eye on the store for you! We'll miss you but realize you must rest up that wonderful silky voice once in awhile. Enjoy.
I love the French music at the beginning/end- just perfect & lovely! It reminds me a bit of R. Dahl’s darker stories. That pleasant twist that teaches one deeply about one’s self & others like no other experience could do. I just love all the info & research you put in the text under the video. Truly, an amazing time period to be alive & write, make art, be creative. I hope we get to hear more from this author on your channel! Thank you so much! 🪷
Hi, Simon. A story I haven't heard or read narrated by the BEST story teller on the internet. What fun!!! What type acting do you do? Any of that on the internet anywhere? You are a blessing, Simon. Someone I think I would like to know. Thank you for the stories.
Thank you for your lovely comments Tammy. Pre-pandemic my main work was in theatre, with little bits of TV, radio and film along the way. Now audio is my main work! But I'm enjoying it immensely (though I do miss the theatre, and hope to get back there soon....)
The coyness of Millicent although reflective of the period, was quite comedic in the situation she found herself in, then her deliberation on whether or not to enlighten her brother to the facts or not, must have been quite a conundrum for her, well she certainly had an adventure !! both unexpected & one of secrecy for life, thoroughly enjoyed the tale & as ever your excellent narration, Thank You
What a fun story. So descriptive. I felt like I was right there in the middle of the panic. I often fall asleep through most stories and have to back track, but listened straight through this one.
I’m not sure how a google search on Stacy’s sister, Minnie Aumonier (poet and painter) led me here but it was great to discover a Stacy Aumonier short story in excellent audio. The Aumoniers were an extraordinary family of talented artists, craftspeople, actors and writers. It’s hard to comprehend just how famous Stacy Aumonier was for his short stories in the early 20th century, and how almost completely forgotten he is today.
Its not what I expected... It also showed the power of prayer... A most intense adventure inside a room.. relieved that it has a happy ending...wow.. Thank you ❤❤.
Yet another quirky little story I’ve never heard before. Many thanks for posting this before your family break,hope you have a wonderful time & thanks again for giving me so many new literal gems to enjoy.✊♥️😊
Simon, the changes you've added to the channel including the introduction to what you do here, how you present the stories, the little musical touches....really nicely done. I think it's made your channel even better and I've been a fan for a long time!
Lovely to have another story from you, with all the attending information. I had never heard of this author. Perhaps one day the heroine will tell her grandchildren about her adventure!
The Victorian/Edwardian Era's have always fascinated me whether decor, art, literature. Love your storytelling and painting the picture within each story. Blessed Be from Tennessee. )O(
A real little gem of a story! I love those stories where not a lot actually happens eventwise but lots happens in terms of the changing awareness of the protagonist. I’d love you to do some more stories like this, thank you so much 😊 Also I consider myself quite well read but had never heard of this author before!
That was a great story. I laughed out loud. What a callous creature I've become!!!😂 Poor Miss Bracegirdle. She's a terrific character. What a brilliant author Stacey was, may he rest in peace. My grandfather also died of TB although it was in the 1950s when he was in his fifties. Thanks for these stories Simon. You really do read them so very well.
I absolutely love listening to you narrate these wonderful stories Simon. This Story was wonderful ! I too start saying my Prayers when things go wrong ! 😊 Please Stay Reading to Us Forever ! xx
Haha, nice! 😄Tongue in cheek but the author plays it straight, without an exaggerated wink to the audience! (I also feel Simon takes the same approach in rendering the narration)👍 I’d love to read on to see how this episode affected her going forward… Lovely as always, Mr Stanhope!
Thank you Simon for making me step out of my usual paths. A nicely read and nicely written piece with an unexpected intensity - it takes me back to the Morning Story on Radio 4, circa nineteen seventy-cough😄
This was very amusing. A farce really, a comedy of manners, a satire on the stiff respectability and moral anxieties of the age. So different, in subject matter, from the weird and spooky tales I would normally read or listen to, but somehow aligning with them in terms of style and era. Excellent choice. Thank you.
That's great to know, thank you Elias. Yes, it's interesting that this story has over the years gained a reputation as something of a "suspense classic" (even inspiring Hitchcock) when on the surface it appears to be something quite different. Glad you enjoyed it
Simon, what an enchanting story! Such a resourceful little lady in a situation that might give even a Modern Woman pause, and so morally generous and upright. I had heard of this story - O. Douglas refers to it in her novel 'Eliza for Common' (published 1928) so it is a particular pleasure to be able to hear it and cross-reference it with the novel.
All I can say is I was a nervous wreck during his entire episode with her under the bed when she get out would she not get out of course I knew she would thank you
Having finished Christmas at Thompson Hall and then listening to Miss Bracegirdles predicament, I can't help but note the similarities of these charming short stories.
Aspiring voice-actor here! I came here to hear the correct pronunciation of the author's last name for a Librivox recording I'm finishing. When I'm done, I'll be sure to come listen to the rest of your work.
Just made 5:03 😃 and its Exactly what I hoped for. Had a most stressful day and thought how about a cuppa with dear Aunt Jane, maybe Hercule Poirot? Would be nice to sit and (politely) stare. Lol! Oh, well... here we are in the present. Tyvmuch👑💕👑
