MY FOURTH STAGE

In the fourth stage of “The Autobiography of a Slander,” Mrs. Milton-Cleave’s desire for influence fuels her interactions, notably with Mr. Blackthorne, whom she seeks to impress. Her day, filled with social engagements, ends with a contemplative moment about Gertrude Morley’s future, sparked by witnessing Gertrude and Sigismund Zaluski’s apparent affection for each other. Mrs. Milton-Cleave’s concerns grow as she observes Zaluski, who she suspects of being a nefarious figure masquerading as a respectable man. Following a quiet dinner with her family, Mrs. Milton-Cleave, driven by a restless mind and the silent prompting of the slander, decides to pen a letter to Mrs. Selldon.

Compelled to fill the void of her letter with something substantial, Mrs. Milton-Cleave turns to the topic of Gertrude Morley and Sigismund Zaluski. She expresses her concerns about Zaluski, dubbing him dangerous based on unfounded rumors of his involvement with nihilism, free love, atheism, and even insinuates his participation in the assassination of the late Czar. Though her intention is to warn Mrs. Selldon about Zaluski’s perceived threat to Gertrude, Mrs. Milton-Cleave’s actions are fueled by the need to be influential and interesting. Her letter, a mix of social updates and grave warnings, encapsulates her role in perpetuating the slander, reflecting her complex motivations driven by societal standing and personal insecurities. This stage of the slander’s journey highlights the ease with which unfounded suspicions can be transformed into alarming accusations, especially when communicated by someone seeking to bolster their own sense of importance within their social circle.