# XXXV explained — David Harum > Chapter companion for David Harum by Edward Noyes Westcott. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### Social Class and Community Discussion of the Verjoos family's wealth and the tendency for money to attract more money, reflecting class dynamics. ### Ambition and Contentment David's advice to hold onto the land for potential future value contrasts with the immediate tax burden, touching on patience and speculative ambition. ## Character check-ins ### David Harum Discusses John's prospects and the Verjoos family with Aunt Polly. ### Aunt Polly Engages in conversation with David about John and local gossip. ### John Lenox Mentioned as the young man walking with Claricy Verjoos and as the owner of a Pennsylvania land tract. ### Miss Verjoos Noted as Claricy Verjoos, seen walking with John and considered a pretty match. ## Key lines > I seen a sight fer sore eyes this mornin’,” quoth David presently. “What was that?” asked Aunt Polly, looking up over her glasses. “Claricy Verjoos fer one part on’t,” said David. David tells Aunt Polly he saw a beautiful sight this morning: Claricy Verjoos. _David initiates conversation about Claricy Verjoos._ > The’ ain’t nothin’ truer in the Bible,” declared Mrs. Bixbee with conviction, “ ’n that sayin’ thet them that has gits.” Aunt Polly states that the rich get richer, a truth she finds in the Bible. _Reflects the theme of social class and wealth accumulation._ > I’ve often had to notice that a man’ll sometimes do the foolishist thing or the meanest thing in his hull life after he’s dead. David observes that people sometimes act foolishly or meanly in their wills after death. _Comment on inheritance and human nature._ > The’ was a little money,” replied her brother, blowing out a cloud of smoke, “an’ a lot of unlikely chances, but nothin’ to live on.” David says John had a small inheritance and many uncertain prospects, but not enough to live on. _Explains John's financial situation._ > I’ve alwus thought they didn’t drill deep enough in that section. The’ was some little traces of oil the time I told ye of, an’ I’ve heard lately that the’s some talk of a move to test the territory agin David believes the area wasn't drilled deep enough for oil and there is renewed interest in testing it. _David's speculation about potential oil on John's land._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters/xxxv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters