XLIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Friendship and Loyalty

  David's offer of partnership and his careful questioning about John's past demonstrate deep trust and loyalty.

• Ambition and Contentment

  John reflects on his contentment in Homeville, while David encourages him to consider independence and future possibilities.

• Love and Marriage

  Clara Verjoos's engagement and David's probing about John's romantic past highlight the theme of love and marriage.

Characters to notice

• David Harum

  David questions John about marriage and his past, then proposes a business partnership and reveals his plan to close his bank.

• John Lenox

  John reflects on his past life, discusses Clara Verjoos's engagement, and is surprised by David's proposal to become a partner.

• Miss Clara

  Clara Verjoos is engaged to a young man from Philadelphia, which is a major topic of local discussion.

• Miss Verjoos

  Miss Verjoos and her sister are cordial with John after Clara's return; the Verjoos house has reopened.

Key passages

• “The most notable event had been the reopening of the Verjoos house, which had been closed for two summers, and the return of the family, followed by the appearance of a young man whom Miss Clara had met abroad, and who represented himself as the acknowledged fiancé of that young woman.”

  The biggest news of the season was the Verjoos family's return and Clara's engagement to a man she met while traveling.

  This sets the social context for the chapter.

• “I was thinkin' 't mebbe you might feel 't you needn't to stay here no longer if you didn't want to.”

  David suggests John might want to leave Homeville now that he has some money.

  David tests John's intentions and offers him a way out.

• “The new sign'll read 'Harum & Comp'ny,' or 'Harum & Lenox,' jest as you elect.”

  David proposes a partnership, letting John choose the firm's name.

  This marks a turning point in their relationship and John's future.