# II explained — The Dewy Morn

> Chapter companion for The Dewy Morn by Richard Jefferies.

## What happens

Felise buys back Ruy from Robert Godwin and secretly returns the horse to Martial Barnard via Abner Brown, while also dealing with Mary Shaw's fainting fit at home. Martial receives the horse and speculates on the mysterious benefactor, initially suspecting old London friends but later fearing it might be Rosa Wood.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Idealization

Felise's secret gift of Ruy to Martial demonstrates her selfless love and idealization of him.

### Social Class and Injustice

Martial's bitterness over being abandoned by wealthy friends after his poverty is revealed highlights class-based injustice.

### Obsession and Jealousy

Robert Godwin's dark reaction to Abner's presence hints at jealousy and obsession with Felise.

## Character check-ins

### Felise Goring

Buys Ruy from Godwin and arranges for Abner to deliver the horse and a note to Martial Barnard.

### Abner Brown

Assists Felise by delivering Ruy to the Manor House and whistling 'Wait for the Wagon' as a signal.

### Robert Godwin

Sells Ruy to Felise; his face darkens when he learns Abner is waiting outside.

### Martial Barnard

Receives Ruy back and struggles with the thought that Rosa might be the benefactor.

### Mary Shaw

Suffers a fainting fit and is comforted by Felise, who promises not to call a doctor unless absolutely necessary.

### Mr. Goring

Anxious about Mary Shaw's fainting fit.

## Key lines

> Felise with her own hand took Ruy's halter—he was nothing loth to come with her, remembering the apples—and led him towards the gate.

Felise took Ruy's halter herself, and the horse willingly followed, recalling the apples she had given him before.

_Shows Felise's gentle rapport with the horse and her decisive action._

> Robert Godwin's face at the name became black as night; he said not another word, but merely accompanied her to the gate, and raised his hat in silence.

Godwin's expression darkened when he heard Abner's name, and he silently escorted Felise to the gate.

_Reveals Godwin's jealousy and resentment toward Abner._

> Martial left the room in anger. He saddled Ruy; yet even the freshness and beauty of the morning, and the pleasure of riding his favourite once more, could not overcome the bitterness of the thought that he owed that delight to Rosa.

Martial angrily left the room and saddled Ruy, but the joy of riding his beloved horse was spoiled by the bitter suspicion that Rosa was behind the gift.

_Highlights Martial's conflicted feelings and his aversion to being indebted to Rosa._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters/volume-ii-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dewy_morn_se/chapters