Orley Farm · Chapter
Mr. Dockwrath in Bedford Row explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Dockwrath returns from Leeds, satisfied with his progress in the Orley Farm case. He meets with Mr. Round, the London attorney for Joseph Mason of Groby, and reveals that he has discovered documents suggesting the codicil to Sir Joseph Mason's will may be a forgery. Mr. Round is cautious and noncommittal, taking notes but refusing to pay Dockwrath as an attorney. Dockwrath leaves uncertain of his position.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
Dockwrath claims to have uncovered evidence of forgery regarding the codicil, but his motives are mixed with revenge and profit, raising questions about the reliability of his 'truth.'
Justice and Injustice
The chapter explores the pursuit of justice through legal channels, but also the potential for manipulation and self-interest in the legal process.
Law and Morality
The interaction between Dockwrath and Mr. Round illustrates the tension between legal ethics, professional conduct, and personal gain.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Dockwrath
Visits Mr. Round in Bedford Row to discuss his discovery about the Orley Farm codicil, seeking payment and recognition.
- Mr. Round
The London attorney for Joseph Mason of Groby; he listens to Dockwrath's information but refuses to treat him as a colleague or pay him as an attorney.
- Joseph Mason of Groby
Referenced as the client who has written to Mr. Round about Dockwrath's discovery and intends to reopen the case against Lady Mason.
- Mr. Moulder
Travels in the same train as Dockwrath from Leeds, but in a first-class carriage; he is dismissive of Dockwrath and Kantwise.
- Mr. Kantwise
Travels with Dockwrath in the second-class carriage and tries to sell him a drawing-room set; he is a commercial traveler.
Key passages
“I should be painting the Devil too black were I to say that revenge was his chief incentive in that which he was doing. All our motives are mixed; and his wicked desire to do evil to Lady Mason in return for the evil which she had done to him was mingled with professional energy, and an ambition to win a cause that ought to be won—especially a cause which others had failed to win.”
It would be unfair to claim that revenge alone drove Dockwrath; his motives were a blend of malice toward Lady Mason, professional zeal, and the desire to succeed where others had failed.
The narrator reflects on Dockwrath's mixed motivations, combining revenge with professional ambition.
“I want to see my way, of course.”
Dockwrath admits he wants to ensure he will be paid before revealing his information.
Dockwrath's primary concern is financial security, as he negotiates with Mr. Round.
“Exactly. And now, Mr. Dockwrath, I must make you understand that we don't do business in that way.”
Mr. Round firmly tells Dockwrath that his firm does not pay for information upfront in the manner Dockwrath is proposing.
Mr. Round rebuffs Dockwrath's attempt to demand payment before disclosure.