Aurora Floyd · Chapter
Money Matters explained
Aurora and John Mellish visit Archibald Floyd at Felden Woods, ostensibly to discuss money matters.
What happens
Aurora and John Mellish visit Archibald Floyd at Felden Woods, ostensibly to discuss money matters. Aurora's secretive behavior and insistence on handling her own finances raise concerns. After dinner, Aurora privately asks her father for a large sum in banknotes, refusing to explain why, but promising it will be the last of her old troubles. The next morning, a clerk delivers the money, and Aurora takes the notes.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Scandal
Aurora's secretive request for money and her refusal to explain its purpose highlight the ongoing concealment of her past.
Wealth and Power
Archibald Floyd's ability to quickly provide a large sum of money underscores the power and influence of wealth in resolving personal crises.
Redemption and Forgiveness
Aurora's promise that this will be the last of her old troubles reflects her desire to atone for past mistakes and earn her father's forgiveness.
Characters to notice
- Aurora Floyd
Visits her father to request money for a secret purpose; displays defiance and deep emotional turmoil.
- John Mellish
Accompanies Aurora to Felden Woods; confused and frustrated by her secrecy about money matters.
- Archibald Floyd
Hosts the visit; deeply anxious about Aurora's request but agrees to give her the money.
- Talbot Bulstrode
Present at Felden Woods with Lucy; reflects on his past with Aurora and feels relief at having married Lucy.
- Lucy Floyd
Present as Talbot's wife; listens to her husband's talk with reverence.
- George Martin
Junior clerk who delivers the banknotes to Archibald Floyd at Felden Woods.
Key passages
“Perhaps there may have been a reason for Aurora’s contentment with her commonplace, prosaic husband. Perhaps she had learned at a very early period of her life that there are qualities even more valuable than exquisitely-modelled features or clustering locks.”
Aurora might have been happy with her ordinary husband because she had learned early that character matters more than good looks.
Narrator speculates on Aurora's acceptance of John Mellish.
““But why come, dear, if you could only stop one night?” “Because I wanted to see you, dearest father, and talk to you about—about money matters.””
Archibald Floyd asks why Aurora came for just one night, and she replies that she needs to discuss finances with him.
Aurora reveals the purpose of her visit.
““You will give me the money, papa?” she asked, looking up at him half coaxingly through her tears. “Yes, my darling; tomorrow morning.””
Aurora tearfully asks her father for the money, and he agrees to give it to her the next day.
Aurora secures her father's promise for the funds.