Aurora Floyd · Chapter
XII: Steeve Hargraves, the “Softy” explained
Aurora Mellish is now married and living at Mellish Park, but two enemies lurk within and without her home: Mrs.
What happens
Aurora Mellish is now married and living at Mellish Park, but two enemies lurk within and without her home: Mrs. Powell, who secretly envies and hates her, and Steeve Hargraves, a stable-hand with a grudge who plots mischief after receiving a generous gift from John Mellish.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Betrayal
Mrs. Powell's secret envy of Aurora and Steeve Hargraves's grudge illustrate hidden jealousy and potential betrayal within the household.
Wealth and Power
John Mellish's extravagant spending on Aurora and the contrast between the wealthy Mellish Park and the dependent status of Mrs. Powell highlight themes of wealth and social power.
Secrecy and Scandal
The chapter emphasizes hidden hatreds and secret plotting, with Mrs. Powell's decorous smile masking her true feelings and Steeve Hargraves's muttered threats.
Characters to notice
- Aurora Floyd
Now Mrs. Mellish, she is at peace after the storms of her past, but remains unaware of the deep hatred Mrs. Powell and Steeve Hargraves harbor against her.
- John Mellish
Devoted husband who lavishes wealth on Aurora, remodeling Mellish Park for her, and generously gives Steeve Hargraves a large sum of money.
- Mrs. Walter Powell
A dependent who secretly detests Aurora, envying her beauty and vitality, and nurses a hidden hatred while maintaining a decorous facade.
- Stephen Hargraves
Called Steeve Hargraves, a repulsive stable-hand with a grudge against Aurora; after receiving gold from John, he shakes his fist and vows to do mischief if given a chance.
- Talbot Bulstrode
Reads of Aurora's marriage in the Times, feeling rage and mortification, and reflects on his lost love while preparing for Parliament.
- Archibald Floyd
The old banker visits Mellish Park in April, appearing happy despite past griefs.
Key passages
“She detested Mrs. Mellish for the possession of attributes which she felt were richer gifts than all the wealth of the house of Floyd, Floyd, and Floyd melted into one mountain of ore.”
Mrs. Powell hated Aurora because she believed Aurora's natural qualities were more valuable than the entire Floyd banking fortune.
Illustrates Mrs. Powell's deep envy and resentment.
“You cannot expect these grand, courageous creatures to be frightened of quiet people. And yet, in the great dramas of life, it is the quiet people who do the mischief.”
Bold people like Aurora are not afraid of quiet individuals, but in life's major conflicts, it is often the quiet ones who cause harm.
Foreshadows the danger posed by Mrs. Powell and Steeve Hargraves.
“He crumpled the Times newspaper, and flung it from him in his rage and mortification. 'And I once thought that she loved me!' he cried.”
Talbot Bulstrode angrily threw aside the newspaper after reading of Aurora's marriage, exclaiming that he had believed she loved him.
Shows Talbot's lingering pain and pride.
“They think the 'Softy's' up to naught, perhaps. Wait a bit.”
Steeve Hargraves mutters that others underestimate him, hinting he will prove them wrong.
Reveals his malicious intent and sets up future conflict.