190 The Conspiracy of Mrs. Bunker Podcast 2 of 2 BRET HARTE
as a wife, were doing in the boat and what your motives were in making this dangerous attempt? You must understand that to come here at such a time and in such a manner without any previous warning or information is not only strange but looks suspicious. We have to be very careful about who we trust in these tumultuous times."
Mrs. Bunker was taken aback by the general’s tone, feeling a sense of betrayal and hurt. She tried to explain her intentions were pure and that she had come to warn them of a potential threat; however, the general was dismissive. It was clear that her reputation had preceded her and that the military authorities were reluctant to trust her. Her anguish reached a peak when she was informed of her husband's death in a skirmish with the government forces and her betrayal by Mrs. Fairfax as the informer responsible for his death. This realization caused her to weep bitterly and wish for her own death to come swiftly. She refused the offer of returning to her home and was determined to leave and disappear forever.
Fearing that she might end her life, the sympathetic adjutant took her in his care, offering her the refuge of his own mother's house in the country. Here, she began to find solace and purpose and eventually made peace with herself. Although the story doesn't end happily ever after, it's evident that Mrs. Bunker finds a way to make amends and live with the circumstances that fate and her choices have dealt her.
- Mrs. Bunker is not a Southern sympathizer and is a Union woman.
- She helps Colonel Marion, which comes to the attention of a General, who is contemplating using her property for government purposes.
- Mrs. Bunker is willing to give up her property but desperately wants to see her husband first.
- She is allowed to meet her husband and later reveals to him that she helped a woman associated with the Southern cause.
- Her husband, a Captain, confesses to helping a Southern woman escape, and Mrs. Bunker becomes jealous and throws away a ring given to him by the woman.
- The government takes possession of the land, pays Captain Bunker, and the little cottage becomes hidden behind military fortifications.