# Seeds of the Future (Third Sowing) explained — Man and Wife

> Chapter companion for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Bishopriggs, having read Anne and Geoffrey's letters, resolves to profit from them. He attempts to spy on Geoffrey Delamayn but is frightened off by Geoffrey's violent reaction. He then shifts his plan to approach Mrs. Glenarm, using anonymous letters to exploit her interest in Geoffrey's marital status. He decides to move to Perth to carry out his scheme.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Bishopriggs plans to betray Geoffrey and Anne by selling their letters to Mrs. Glenarm, using anonymous threats.

### Social Class and Ambition

Bishopriggs, a servant, schemes to rise by exploiting the secrets of his social superiors; Mrs. Glenarm's wealth and status are central to the plot.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Bishopriggs

Plots to sell the letters to Mrs. Glenarm after being scared off by Geoffrey.

### Geoffrey Delamayn

Seen at exercise; reacts with fury when Bishopriggs spies on him.

### Mrs. Glenarm

The wealthy widow whom Bishopriggs targets; she is Geoffrey's intended bride.

### Julius Delamayn

Mentioned as preparing an address but secretly playing violin.

### Captain Newenden

Mrs. Glenarm's uncle, a vivacious old gentleman who insists on dancing.

## Key lines

> I'll no' put myself under Sir Paitrick's thumb, till I've gane my ain rounds among the lave o' them first.

Bishopriggs decides not to approach Sir Patrick until he has tried to negotiate with other interested parties first.

_Bishopriggs's strategy to maximize his profit from the letters._

> The furious savage, with the eyes that darted fire and the fist that threatened destruction, was a total stranger to him.

Bishopriggs realizes that the violent man he saw is not the same man who posed as Anne's husband at the inn.

_Confirms that Geoffrey is not the man who stayed with Anne at Craig Fernie._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxiii-seeds-of-the-future-third-sowing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters