W. Somerset Maugham Chapter Summary & Analysis | Miss King

Miss King Summary

As this story opens Ashenden, a writer, has just arrived back in England. At a party Ashenden meets a man who requests to speak to Ashenden further and gives him an address. When Ashenden arrives at the address, he finds the house is for sale, but is led by a non-commissioned officer to meet with R. R. suggests to Ashenden that Ashenden would be a good candidate for work in the secret service. R. tells Ashenden he will get good stories for his writing. He gives Ashenden an example of one of his experiences in the service that he believes is worthy of a story. Although Ashenden is not impressed with the story, he agrees to enter the secret service and arrangements are made.

Ashenden is returning to Geneva on a ferry. He has been to France to help stop a burglary attempt by the German Intelligence Department. These agents...
(read more)