# XXVI explained — David Harum

> Chapter companion for David Harum by Edward Noyes Westcott.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Community

David's visit to Mr. Price's Newport estate starkly contrasts his simple Homeville life with the opulence and formal customs of the urban elite, highlighting class differences.

### Horse Trading and Moral Ambiguity

David's examination of the horse's sore forehead and his wink to the driver reflect his practical, shrewd nature and the subtle moral codes of horse trading.

## Character check-ins

### David Harum

Narrates a lengthy anecdote about his visit to Mr. Price in Newport, highlighting his rustic manners and humorous misadventures with high society customs.

### John Lenox

Listens attentively to David's story, laughing at the egg incident and encouraging David to continue.

### Price

A wealthy New York businessman who hosts David at his Newport cottage; apologizes for the breakfast mishap and shows David around the estate.

## Key lines

> Speakin’ of canals, I was thinkin’ of somethin’.

Speaking of canals, I was reminded of something.

_David transitions from a previous topic to his story about the Erie Canal and his visit to Newport._

> I believe that dum’d egg held more ’n a pint.

I believe that damned egg held more than a pint.

_David humorously exaggerates the amount of raw egg that spilled on him, emphasizing the mess._

> You don’t fall in with the customs of this region?

You don't agree with the customs of this area?

_David teases Mr. Price about not liking the fancy European-style breakfast, showing David's preference for hearty, simple food._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters/xxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters