# Chapter VI explained — Payment Deferred > Chapter companion for Payment Deferred by C. S. Forester. ## What happens Mr. Marble returns home elated after depositing a large sum of money, but his family's reactions are muted. He announces plans to leave the bank, buy their house, and send John to a public school, causing tension. Later, Mrs. Marble confronts him in the dark drawing-room, revealing she knows something is wrong, but he reacts with fear and violence, striking her. ## Themes in this chapter ### Debt and Financial Desperation Mr. Marble's sudden wealth from speculation and his plan to buy the house highlight his escape from financial desperation. ### Guilt and Paranoia Mr. Marble's violent reaction to his wife's touch and his fear of discovery reveal his overwhelming guilt and paranoia. ### Marriage and Domestic Dysfunction The strained interaction between Mr. and Mrs. Marble, including his verbal abuse and physical violence, underscores deep marital dysfunction. ## Character check-ins ### Mr. Marble Returns home buoyant after financial success, but becomes paranoid and violent when his wife confronts him about his secret. ### Annie Marble Shows unwavering loyalty and love, trying to comfort her husband despite his abusive behavior. ### Mrs. Marble Referred to as 'Mrs. Marble' in the narrative; she is deeply worried about her husband's state and tries to reassure him. ### John Son who is told he will be sent to a public school; he reacts with silent dismay. ## Key lines > Mr. Marble sprang into instant activity. He writhed in his chair, and the whisky decanter went over with a crash, sending its scant contents gurgling out on to the carpet. Mr. Marble jumped up frantically, knocking over the whisky decanter and spilling its remaining contents. _Shows his extreme startle response and guilt when his wife approaches._ > Oh, it's you, you fool, he snarled, ashamed of his absurd fear—he would not admit to himself what he had been afraid of—and angry with her, with himself, and with everything else. He snapped at her, calling her a fool, embarrassed by his own fear and taking out his anger on her. _Reveals his shame and displaced aggression._ > He struck out wildly at the brooding form. He felt a savage pleasure as his fist struck firm flesh, and he heard his wife give He lashed out blindly, feeling a cruel satisfaction when his fist hit her solidly. _Depicts his violent outburst and the beginning of physical abuse._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/payment_deferred_se/chapters/vi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/payment_deferred_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/payment_deferred_se/chapters