Aurora Floyd · Chapter
He Only Said, I Am A-Weary. explained
James Conyers grows restless and discontented at Mellish Park, lounging idly at the north lodge, drinking heavily, and treating his attendant Steeve Hargraves with careless insolence.
What happens
James Conyers grows restless and discontented at Mellish Park, lounging idly at the north lodge, drinking heavily, and treating his attendant Steeve Hargraves with careless insolence. Mrs. Powell observes him but is dismissed with a yawn. As evening falls, Conyers goes out, leaving Steeve to brood over his hatred and the secret of Aurora's past. Late at night, Conyers returns drunk, and Steeve, after putting away the horse, gazes at the sleeping trainer with envy and suppressed rage.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Scandal
Steeve Hargraves's knowing glance at Mrs. Powell and his muttered references to 'the brass' and Conyers's secrets underscore the hidden knowledge and potential scandal surrounding Aurora's past.
Jealousy and Betrayal
Steeve's simmering hatred and envy of Conyers, his hoarded vengeance, and his shaking fist at the sleeping trainer highlight themes of jealousy and the threat of betrayal.
Wealth and Power
Steeve's obsession with 'the brass' (money) and his suspicion that Aurora went to fetch a large sum reflect the power dynamics and corruption associated with wealth.
Characters to notice
- James Conyers
Lolls idly at the north lodge, drinking brandy-and-water and smoking all day; grows restless and peevish, treating Steeve with contempt; returns drunk after midnight.
- Stephen Hargraves
The 'Softy' bears Conyers's insults with dogged patience, hoarding hatred; watches the carriage return from the station, muttering about 'the brass'; later stares at the sleeping Conyers with envy and fury.
- Mrs. Walter Powell
Walks in the north shrubberies, passes the lodge, and sees Conyers lounging; is rebuffed by his yawn and sent to fetch the morning's Times.
- Aurora Floyd
Returns to Mellish Park with John in the carriage after a short visit to London; Steeve suspects she went to fetch money.
- John Mellish
Returns with Aurora from London in the carriage that passes the north gates.
Key passages
“He glanced through the little casement, made smaller by its clustering frame of roses and clematis, jessamine and myrtle, and looking like the porthole of a ship that sailed upon a sea of summer verdure.”
He looked out the small window, which was surrounded by flowers and vines, making it resemble a ship's porthole floating on a green sea.
Describes Conyers's view from the lodge window, emphasizing his detachment from the beauty around him.
“He had better have been blind; surely he had better have been blind.”
It would have been better for him to be blind than to see such beauty without feeling gratitude.
Narrator's commentary on Conyers's inability to appreciate nature, foreshadowing his doom.
“The 'Softy' was a man who could hoard his hatred and vengeance, hiding the bad passions away in the dark corners of his poor shattered mind, and bringing them out in the dead of the night to 'kiss and talk to.'”
Steeve Hargraves stored up his anger and desire for revenge, keeping them hidden in his damaged mind and dwelling on them alone at night.
Reveals Steeve's dangerous, brooding nature and his capacity for future violence.