David Harum · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for David Harum by Edward Noyes Westcott.
Chapter 1
David Harum
The opening chapter introduces the setting of Homeville and the character of David Harum, a shrewd, good-natured country banker and horse trader. It establishes his reputation in the community and hints at his complex personality, blending sharp business practices with underlying generosity.
Chapter 2
I
David Harum tells his sister, Aunt Polly, the story of how he bought a horse from two strangers for $125, suspecting a trick but feeling he got a good deal. He then reveals he has telegraphed for a young man from New York, John Lenox, to come work for him, and discusses where the young man will stay.
Chapter 3
Chapter II
David Harum recounts to his sister Aunt Polly and Mrs. Bixbee the story of how he sold a balky horse to Deacon Perkins. Through clever manipulation and selective truth-telling, David gets the deacon to buy the horse at his own price, and later enjoys watching the deacon struggle with the horse's balking habit. The chapter illustrates David's sharp wit and moral ambiguity in horse trading.
Chapter 4
III
Jacky Carling fails to post Mary Blake's letter to John Lenox, altering the course of events. John's background is revealed: he studied at Andover and Princeton, worked briefly at Rush & Co., then spent two years in Europe. On the ship Altruria, he encounters the Carling family and Mary Blake, whom he remembers from childhood. After a stormy few days, they finally speak and recognize each other, rekindling their acquaintance.
Chapter 5
IV
John Lenox and Mary Blake share a conversation on the ship's deck, discussing the beauty of the sea and Mr. Carling's indecisiveness over his shoes. John later helps coax Mr. Carling into the smoking room for cigars and wine, while Mary and her sister discuss John's intentions and Mr. Carling's need for male companionship.
Chapter 6
V
John Lenox and Mary Blake share a poignant conversation on the ship as the voyage ends, discussing friendship and future meetings. John's efforts to befriend Mr. Carling succeed, revealing a more agreeable side to the man. Mary expresses gratitude for John's kindness and reflects on her financial security thanks to Mr. Carling's management.
Chapter 7
Chapter VI: The End of Boyhood
John Lenox returns home to New York after two years abroad, arriving in a carriage with the Carlings and Miss Blake. Upon reaching his father's house, he is greeted by the old servant Jeffrey, who subtly hints at changes in Mr. Lenox's behavior and reduced circumstances. Alone in his room, John reflects on his past idleness and feels a new resolve to take responsibility for his life, spurred by his desire for Miss Blake's good opinion. He realizes he must find work and support his aging father, marking the end of his boyhood.
Chapter 8
VII
John Lenox returns home to a dreary homecoming, contrasting his recent shipboard romance with the dullness of his father's house. He reconnects with his father, who has aged and grown a white beard, and they share a quiet dinner. John expresses a desire to begin a career, suggesting he join his father's office, but Mr. Lenox advises against it, proposing instead that John study law. John agrees to follow his father's counsel, and they share a moment of mutual affection and understanding.
Chapter 9
Chapter VIII
John Lenox visits the Carling household and has a conversation with Mary Blake about his decision to study law, influenced by her earlier advice. He reflects on his new career path, while Mary contemplates her feelings for him. The chapter also describes John's diligent but challenging work as a law clerk and his eventual return to the Carlings' home.
Chapter 10
IX
John Lenox becomes a frequent visitor to the Carling household, growing intimate with the family. Mrs. Carling grows uneasy about his attentions to her sister Mary Blake and probes Mary's feelings. Mary admits she likes John but insists she does not love him, and believes he will not declare himself because he is financially dependent on his father and uncertain of his prospects.
Chapter 11
Chapter X
John Lenox gradually notices his father's declining health and increasing withdrawal, while also learning that Mr. Carling's restlessness may force the family to leave New York indefinitely. During a visit to Sixty-ninth Street, Mary Blake reveals the impending travel plans, and John nearly confesses his love for her, but she deftly steers the conversation away, leaving him resolved to clarify his feelings before she departs.
Chapter 12
Chapter XI
John Lenox's father dies, leaving him with limited resources. Months later, General Wolsey shows John a letter from David Harum seeking a new cashier from outside Homeville. John decides to accept the position, burning his bridges in New York.
Chapter 13
XII
John Lenox arrives in Homeville on a rainy November evening, taking a carryall driven by the local liveryman Mr. Robinson, who gossips about David Harum and the displaced bank clerk Chet Timson. John checks into the Eagle Hotel, where the landlord Amos Elright provides a meager supper, and John spends an uncomfortable first night. Meanwhile, local men Bill and Dick speculate about John's identity and predict he will not fit in.
Chapter 14
XIII
John Lenox meets Chet Timson, the disgruntled former bank clerk, who complains about David Harum's management style and lack of involvement in daily banking operations. Timson reveals his frustrations and warns John to keep money for a return to New York. Later, John finally meets David Harum in person, observing his distinctive appearance and manner.
Chapter 15
XIV
David Harum confronts Bill Montaig over a debt, physically ejecting him from the office when Bill becomes aggressive. John Lenox assists by restraining Bill's companion, Smith. After the altercation, David and John discuss John's background and his adjustment to life in Homeville, with David offering practical advice and setting John to work under Chet Timson's guidance.
Chapter 16
XV
John Lenox begins to take over the bank's operations as Chet Timson prepares to leave. David Harum invites John to tea, where he meets Mrs. Bixbee, though the evening is socially awkward. Chet Timson boasts about a new job and avoids handing over the balance sheets, leading David to predict he will leave on the early train.
Chapter 17
XVI
David Harum discusses John Lenox's progress at the bank with Aunt Polly, revealing a test of John's honesty involving counterfeit bills. John refuses to pass the bad money and burns it instead, earning David's respect as an honest man.
Chapter 18
XVII
On December 23rd, David Harum tells John Lenox the story of the Cullom family's decline from wealth to poverty, focusing on Mrs. Cullom's struggles. He reveals that he holds a mortgage on her property and instructs John to summon her to the bank on Christmas morning, ostensibly to close the matter. John feels disgust and repugnance, suspecting a hard-hearted scheme, but David later explains how he came by the mortgage.
Chapter 19
XVIII
John Lenox grapples with his conscience after learning of David Harum's scheme involving the Widow Cullom. Despite his favorable impressions of David, John is troubled by the heartlessness of the plan. His internal conflict is interrupted when Mrs. Cullom arrives at the bank, soaked and freezing. John fetches dry clothes and whisky from Mrs. Bixbee, and David arrives, having been delayed by a colt's injury. The chapter ends with John waiting uncomfortably as David prepares to discuss business with Mrs. Cullom.
Chapter 20
XIX
David Harum meets with Mrs. Cullom to settle the mortgage on her property, revealing his intention to prevent Zeke Swinney from acquiring it. He tells her a story from his childhood about a kind man who took him to the circus, illustrating his own motives and softening the blow of the foreclosure.
Chapter 21
Chapter XX
David Harum reveals to Mrs. Cullom that he is paying off an old debt of kindness to her late husband, Billy P. Cullom, who took him to the circus as a boy and gave him his first taste of kindness and hope. David clears her mortgage and invites her to dinner, keeping the original dime as a keepsake.
Chapter 22
Chapter XXI
David Harum explains to John Lenox how he helped Purse, a local storekeeper, by loaning him money and later covering a debt caused by Chet Timson's loose talk. David reveals he hired John on General Wolsey's recommendation, valuing soundness and gumption over experience. He praises John's adaptability and invites him to dinner at his home, noting the poor conditions at the Eagle tavern.
Chapter 23
XXII
Mrs. Cullom visits Mrs. Bixbee, who comforts her and reveals the full story of David Harum's treatment of his half-brother Lish, showing that despite his harsh words, David secretly ensured Lish was cared for in the poorhouse and paid all expenses.
Chapter 24
XXIII
John Lenox moves into David Harum's house on Christmas day, where he finds a warm, comfortable room prepared by Aunt Polly (Mrs. Bixbee). He joins David, Aunt Polly, and Mrs. Cullom for a lavish Christmas dinner, contrasting sharply with his previous miserable living conditions at the Eagle tavern. John feels deep gratitude and happiness for the kindness shown to him.
Chapter 25
Chapter XXIV
At dinner, David Harum recounts the absurd story of Amri Shapless and Lize Annis attempting to marry with no money, which Parson White refuses to perform. David also tells of taking Aunt Polly to a New York theater, where the performance was scandalously revealing, shocking Mrs. Cullom.
Chapter 26
XXV
David Harum recounts his early life, including his first horse purchase and his experiences working on the Erie Canal, contrasting the harshness of his childhood home with the relative freedom of canal life. He reflects on the value of delayed gratification and the lessons learned from his humble beginnings.
Chapter 27
XXVI
David Harum tells John Lenox a long, humorous story about a visit to a wealthy New York businessman named Price at his Newport 'cottage.' The story details David's cultural clash with high society, including a disastrous breakfast of a raw egg that squirts all over him, and his observations of the extravagant lifestyle of the rich.
Chapter 28
XXVII
David Harum regales John Lenox with a detailed and humorous account of his formal dinner at the Price household, describing the elaborate table setting, his napkin mishap, and the story of Elder Maybee's gunpowder accident, which he compares to his own egg disaster at breakfast. The chapter highlights David's rustic charm and wit as he navigates high society with his characteristic humor.
Chapter 29
XXVIII
David Harum describes the social stratification of Homeville, distinguishing between the 'village people' and the wealthy, refined families like the Verjooses. He discusses the Verjoos family history and the summer visitors who bring urban customs. John Lenox learns about the local social dynamics and his own place as an outsider. Dick Larrabee jokes with John about the counterfeit money incident, revealing David's playful nature.
Chapter 30
XXIX
David Harum recounts to John Lenox the story of how he sold a horse to Miss Claricy Verjoos and her father, Mr. Verjoos, highlighting the cleverness of the young woman and the awkward yet ultimately successful negotiation with her father. The chapter explores David's puzzlement over John's character and the boundaries between seriousness and jest in his own mind.
Chapter 31
The Second Winter
John Lenox settles into his second winter in Homeville, deepening his relationships with David Harum and Aunt Polly while maintaining a quiet, reserved social life. David's fondness for John becomes evident through his comparisons to his deceased son, and the two spend many hours driving together. John remains aloof from local society, declining overtures from Mr. Euston and others, and the chapter reflects on his contentment with his simple routine.
Chapter 32
XXXI
John Lenox adjusts to his new life in Homeville over the course of a year, finding solace in music and forming a close bond with David Harum and Aunt Polly. David proudly recounts to Dick Larrabee how John skillfully handled a dangerous driving situation with the brown colts, praising his competence and character.
Chapter 33
XXXII
John Lenox is persuaded by Mr. Euston, the rector of St. James's church, to take over the church choir, despite his reluctance. David Harum encourages him, arguing it will provide a healthy change and prevent him from falling into a rut. John eventually agrees, and after many trials, succeeds in improving the church music.
Chapter 34
XXXIII
On a fine Sunday after church, John Lenox is introduced to the Misses Verjoos by Mr. Euston. He walks with Clara Verjoos, who teases him about his flattery and mentions her friendship with David Harum. Later, David arrives and jokes with Clara about her horse Kirby. Clara invites John to visit Lakelawn before leaving. David and John drive home together, discussing Clara's charm.
Chapter 35
XXXIV
David Harum recounts to his sister Mrs. Bixbee and John Lenox his Sunday horse-trading visit to 'Lizer Howe, where he cleverly circumvented 'Lizer's refusal to do business on the Sabbath by using hypothetical questions to negotiate a deal, much to Mrs. Bixbee's disapproval.
Chapter 36
XXXV
After dinner, David Harum and his sister Aunt Polly discuss John Lenox's prospects and his potential relationship with Claricy Verjoos. David reveals that John inherited a piece of land in Pennsylvania with coal and possible oil potential, but it is currently a tax burden. David advises John to hold onto it, hinting at future value.
Chapter 37
XXXVI
Miss Clara and Miss Verjoos discuss John Lenox after meeting him at church. Miss Clara invites John to a musical evening at their home, where he will be asked to sing. David Harum encourages John and offers him a carriage for the event.
Chapter 38
XXXVII
John Lenox attends a musical evening at the Verjoos house, where he is warmly received by Mrs. Verjoos and her daughters, Clara and Juliet. The evening features performances by Herr Schlitz on piano, Mr. Fairman on violin, and John himself, who sings German lieder and Tosti's 'Beauty's Eyes' at Miss Verjoos's request. The gathering includes many of Homeville's society elders, and the evening concludes with lively group singing, leaving John thoroughly delighted.
Chapter 39
David's Tale of Matrimony
David Harum shares with John Lenox the story of his marriage to a widow who kept a boarding house, detailing the initial happiness, the gradual onset of jealousy and domestic strife, and the eventual deterioration of their relationship.
Chapter 40
David's Story: The Bonnet and the Baby
David Harum recounts to John Lenox the story of his wife's reaction to a bonnet he bought her, which led to a violent hysterical fit, the revelation of her pregnancy, a premature birth, and her eventual death weeks later, leaving their child to die at age six or seven.
Chapter 41
XL
David Harum recounts to John Lenox the story of his failed attempt to remarry, his deep grief over the loss of his young son, and the enduring bond with Mrs. Jones, who cared for the boy and whom he supported for the rest of her life.
Chapter 42
Chapter XLI
In John's fifth winter in Homeville, the bank's business has grown significantly with new manufactories and merchants transferring accounts from Syrchester. A new railroad has been built, causing a contentious split between the 'nabobs' and 'village people.' David recounts how he neutralized Lawyer Staples' opposition by presenting a subscription paper for funds, effectively silencing him without spending money.
Chapter 43
XLII
David Harum proposes a speculative investment in pork futures to John Lenox, explaining the coded telegram 'Bangs Galilee' and the market opportunity. John commits his savings of about five thousand dollars, and David agrees to manage the trade. Over the following months, the market fluctuates severely, testing John's nerve, but eventually turns profitable, with David's steady hand guiding the investment to a successful close.
Chapter 44
XLIII
As summer ends, John and David discuss Clara Verjoos's engagement and John's past. David proposes a partnership and reveals his plan to close his bank, offering John independence.
Chapter 45
XLIV
John Lenox falls seriously ill with a persistent cough and languid condition, prompting concern from David Harum and Dr. Hayes. David insists John must leave Homeville for a change of climate, and offers to handle John's property affairs, including a potential oil lease, while he is away. David also mentions hiring Chet Timson to help at the bank during John's absence.
Chapter 46
XLV
John Lenox boards the Vaterland and unexpectedly sees Mary Blake, now apparently Mrs. Edward Ruggles, traveling with a couple named Ruggles. He hides to avoid recognition and confirms her married name from the passenger list.
Chapter 47
XLVI
John Lenox and Mary Blake (now Mrs. Edward Ruggles) unexpectedly meet again on an ocean steamer after six years. They discuss the lost letters and missed connections, and John confesses his enduring love for her. Mary, though married, responds with a mixture of sadness and restraint, ultimately agreeing to meet him in Naples under strict boundaries.
Chapter 48
XLVII
John Lenox, now in Naples, receives a cable from David Harum about the sale of the Pennsylvania property, making him financially secure. He encounters Mrs. Ruggles and is invited to the Villa Violante, where he meets Mary Blake again. During a private conversation, Mary reveals she is not Mrs. Edward Ruggles but Mary Blake, and they confess their love for each other. They discuss the possibility of living in Homeville and the near miss of their misunderstanding.
Chapter 49
XLVIII
A fortnight later, David Harum is at his desk when he receives a letter postmarked 'Napoli.' He reads it with growing interest and excitement, culminating in an exclamation of surprise before rushing out of the office toward his house.
Chapter 50
Epilogue
The epilogue reflects on the fates of the main characters after the main events of the story. David Harum is still alive and well, despite a hint at a possible alternate ending involving his death. John Lenox married Mary Blake, built a house on the lake, and maintains a close relationship with David and Aunt Polly. Mrs. Bixbee has become part of the family circle, and a new character, David Lenox (John's son), is introduced.
