Phoebe, Junior · Chapter
XXXVIII: An Expedition explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. May, preoccupied with financial worries over Clarence Copperhead's potential withdrawal and a looming bill, spends the evening alone in his study. He calculates that either Clarence's departure with compensation or his continued stay will allow him to secure funds. The next morning, he travels to the Hall to meet Mr. Copperhead, while Ursula becomes absorbed in her own romantic feelings. Cotsdean, anxious about the bill, arrives too late to catch Mr. May but feels relieved that Tozer can cover the debt.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Power
Mr. May's financial calculations hinge on Mr. Copperhead's wealth and the potential payments, highlighting the power of money over personal security.
Appearance vs. Reality
Mr. May appears composed and gentlemanly, but internally he is desperate and calculating; Cotsdean's relief contrasts with the real risk of dishonor.
Characters to notice
- Reginald May
Engrossed in financial calculations, he decides to visit the Hall to secure funds from Mr. Copperhead, leaving early by train.
- Ursula May
Lost in the haze of new romantic feelings, she is distracted and silent at breakfast, approving of her father's quiet demeanor.
- Cotsdean
Arrives breathless after Mr. May leaves, but feels relieved that Tozer, as the other party to the bill, can cover the debt.
- Clarence Copperhead
His threatened withdrawal is the source of Mr. May's anxiety, though his dull spirit is said to be roused.
- Mrs. Sam Hurst
Observes Mr. May leaving, admiring his gentlemanly appearance and enjoying the speculation about her intentions toward him.
Key passages
“After all, the great thing in life is to see your way. It does not matter so much whether that way is great or small, so long as you can see it plain before you.”
The most important thing is to have a clear plan, regardless of its scale.
Reflects Mr. May's mindset as he rationalizes his risky financial strategy.
“In the mind of a girl of twenty, unforestalled by any previous experience, the process that goes on between the moment when the surprising, overwhelming discovery rushes upon her that someone loves her in the old way of romance, until the corresponding moment when she finds out that her own heart too has been invaded by this wonderful sentiment, which is like nothing that was ever known before, is of a very rapid description.”
A young woman's realization of being loved and her own reciprocal feelings can develop very quickly, like a flower blooming in a day.
Describes Ursula's rapid emotional awakening to love.