Summary

The short story “An Act of Vengeance” by Rosemund J. Handler follows Pauline, a woman who works as a maid, cook, and babysitter for an unmarried woman, named Miss C. Bester. Pauline is bothered by her employer’s attitude towards her and her baby. She recalls how initially Miss C. Bester asked her to call her “Mrs Bester” rather than “Madam” because she claimed the two women were supposed to be equals. However, Pauline soon returned to calling her “Madam” because the woman did not like the change.

One day, Pauline starts work after a party Miss C. Bester organised, having to clean piles of dishes and the mess left behind by the guests. Pauline is bothered by the fact that Miss C. Bester bought a dishwasher, but never lets Pauline use it.

She starts cleaning up the mess...