THE TREASURE, a Short Story by Somerset Maugham

Richard Harenger is a contented and responsible man working at the Home Office, living a life of moderation and enjoying simple pleasures like bridge, golf, and travel. He hires a competent house-parlourmaid named Pritchard, who becomes indispensable in managing his household with impeccable skill and discretion. Despite their professional relationship, a moment of kindness leads Richard to take Pritchard out for an evening, culminating in an unexpected romantic encounter. The next day, Richard regrets his actions, fearing ..... won't reveal more here.

[poorthing]

I've been non-stop listening to these
Maugham short stories...❤

[carolleenkelmann]

Somerset Maugham is tops. Since my youth ( that being quite some time ago now), I have not read Somerset Maugham. It certainly is a treasure.

[thrashrap]

Imprisoned by convention, comfort and habits Richard Harrington was a very happy man as long as he wasn’t exposed to the possibility a true and deep human connection.
Thus is the happiness of the upper classes.

[glendabarton]

Somerset Maugham is one of my favorite authors. I have two big books of his short stories. I just discovered these on YouTube!

[GeorgeNeofotistos]

I look so forward to these stories theey all are treasures. Thank you

[deebaker]

A happy man...but a very lonely isolated man? Beautiful story ❤

[emilyaetheris]

His stories never ended predictably, love dear Somerset Maughan. Yes I know he has now been dead for many years but his story telling will never die.

[brianperkins]

Somerset Maugham's skill was his ability to write interesting stories about boring people in boring situations in boring times

[simoneeire]

I'm really enjoying the use of English vocabulary all but defunct today.
Perhaps this story is an insight into the rigidity of class division. Wha'eva...love a good yarn😅

[dianal.clausen]

Golly, this really touched me. Thank you for sharing with all of us. I appreciate Maugham more with every new short story.

[kathleencard]

The time capsule he gives us is perfect. Thank you!

[imetaboyiusedtoknow]

There's an old saying, she chased him until he caught her. Well played, Pritchard, well played.

I am enjoying these Maugham short stories. Thanks for posting.

[Trampas]

A new Maugham story for me. Many thanks.

[emilyaetheris]

70 years ago my English teacher a great admirer of Somerset Maughan introduced him to us for years I was one of his followers and loved every one of his books. Can our BBC bring his books to life on the screen? I think not many authors can tell a story like him.

[christinemarshall]

Very enjoyable and well narrated. Thank you

[phyllislovelace]

A true vignette. Thank you for posting this.

[carmenhealer]

She is smart and had her release of tension just as he did. There is no mysogeny here. She has a great job with him and is too smart and competent to stay if she is not happy.

[JanisJanus]

🇨🇦What a discovery. This is changing my listening life. Here from Canada. BC remote location .

[CasperLCat]

Listening to several of these stories, leads me to believe that Maugham was a good, dignified, and eminently reasonable man, somehow. You can’t say that about a lot of great writers.

[basketballfan]

What a wonderfully written little story!! 👏😁