David Harum · Chapter
XLVII explained
John Lenox, now in Naples, receives a cable from David Harum about the sale of the Pennsylvania property, making him financially secure.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
John and Mary's romantic confession and discussion of marriage highlight the theme of love overcoming misunderstandings and social barriers.
Ambition and Contentment
John's financial success from the property sale contrasts with his emotional longing for Mary, exploring the balance between material gain and personal happiness.
Characters to notice
- John Lenox
Receives a cable from David Harum about the property sale, feels financial relief but also disappointment about missed opportunities. Meets Mary Blake at the Villa Violante and confesses his love.
- Mary Blake
Reveals she is not Mrs. Edward Ruggles but Mary Blake. Confesses her feelings for John and explains the misunderstanding about her identity on the ship.
- David Harum
Sends a cable to John about the sale of the Pennsylvania property, indicating the stock is good.
- Mrs. Ruggles
Accompanies Mary Blake at the Villa Violante; is taciturn during the drive and breakfast.
- Mr. Ruggles
Appears anxious about a cable dispatch; discusses timing with Mr. Hartleigh.
- Mr. Hartleigh
Hosts the breakfast at Villa Violante; converses with John and discusses the cable timing.
Key passages
“Sixty cash, forty stock. Stock good. Harum.”
The cable from David Harum indicates that the sale of the Pennsylvania property resulted in 60% cash and 40% stock, and the stock is valuable.
John receives news of his financial windfall from David.
“I am not Mrs. Edward Ruggles. I am Mary Blake.”
Mary reveals that John's assumption about her being married was incorrect; she is actually the same Mary Blake he knew before.
The central revelation that resolves the romantic misunderstanding.