David Harum · Chapter
XXII explained
Mrs.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Horse Trading and Moral Ambiguity
David's secret arrangement for Lish's care reflects a morally complex bargain where outward meanness conceals hidden generosity.
Family and Kinship
The strained relationship between David and his half-brother Lish, and the family loyalty that ultimately compels David to provide for him.
Character and Reputation
Mrs. Bixbee defends David's true character against gossip, revealing the gap between public perception and private virtue.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bixbee
Hosts Mrs. Cullom, defends David's character, and tells the story of Lish Harum.
- Mrs. Cullom
Visits Mrs. Bixbee, shares her relief about David's kindness, and listens to the Lish Harum story.
- David Harum
Discussed at length; his secret generosity toward Lish Harum is revealed.
- Lish Harum
David's mean half-brother, who was secretly supported by David in the poorhouse.
- Mr. Smith
The town representative who negotiated with David about Lish's care.
- Aunt Polly
Narrates the Lish Harum story to Mrs. Cullom.
Key passages
“Wa'al, I don't know when I've seen ye to git a chance to speak to ye, an' I was real pleased when David said you was goin' to be here to dinner.”
Mrs. Bixbee welcomes Mrs. Cullom warmly, saying she is glad David invited her to dinner.
Shows the close relationship between the women and David's role in arranging the visit.
“Your brother Dave comes putty nigh to bein' an angel!”
Mrs. Cullom exclaims that David is almost like an angel.
Highlights Mrs. Cullom's gratitude and changed perception of David.
“I know folks thinks he's a hard bargainer, an' closefisted, an' some on 'em that ain't fit to lick up his tracks says more'n that. He's got his own ways, I'll allow, but down at bottom, an' all through, I know the' ain't no better man livin'.”
Mrs. Bixbee acknowledges that people see David as a tough businessman, but insists he is fundamentally a good man.
Defends David's reputation against common criticism.
“He wouldn't never have taken your prop'ty, more'n he'd rob a hen-roost. But he done the thing his own way—kind o' fetched it round fer a Merry Chris'mus, didn't he?”
Mrs. Bixbee assures Mrs. Cullom that David would never have taken her property, and notes he arranged things for a Christmas surprise.
Reveals David's secret kindness and his theatrical style of giving.
“Not one cent of my money nor one mossel o' my food would ever go to keep him alive one minute of time; that if I had an empty hogpen I wouldn't let him sleep in't overnight, much less to bunk in with a decent hog.”
David angrily declared he would not give Lish any money or shelter, even comparing him unfavorably to a hog.
Shows David's bitter resentment toward Lish, which contrasts with his later secret support.
“When he dies you git him the tightest coffin you kin buy, to keep him f'm spilin' the earth as long as may be, an' then you send me the hull bill.”
David agreed to pay for Lish's funeral expenses, asking for the cheapest coffin to contain him.
Illustrates David's grudging but ultimately responsible provision for Lish's burial.
