The Eye of Osiris · Chapter
VI: Sidelights explained
Paul Berkeley and Ruth Bellingham discuss the peculiarities of John Bellingham's will and his character.
What happens
Paul Berkeley and Ruth Bellingham discuss the peculiarities of John Bellingham's will and his character. Ruth reveals that the bulk of the collection goes to the British Museum and the remainder to Mr. Jellicoe, an Egyptologist and solicitor. Paul offers to help Ruth with her work by taking dictation in shorthand after she cuts her hand. Ruth initially refuses but eventually accepts after her father, Godfrey Bellingham, persuades her. Paul also asks for a copy of the will for Thorndyke.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Inheritance
The chapter focuses on John Bellingham's will, its peculiar provisions, and the impact on his family, including the unfair allowance to Godfrey Bellingham.
Deception and Truth
The will is described as 'the will of a lunatic,' and there is underlying suspicion about its validity and the true intentions behind it.
Friendship and Loyalty
Paul Berkeley offers selfless help to Ruth Bellingham, demonstrating loyalty and friendship despite being a relative stranger.
Characters to notice
- Paul Berkeley
Offers to help Ruth with her work by taking dictation in shorthand after she injures her hand. Shows concern for her financial situation and expresses interest in the will for Thorndyke.
- Ruth Bellingham
Discusses her uncle John Bellingham's character and will. Injures her hand and initially refuses Paul's help but later accepts. Promises to bring the will copy to Thorndyke.
- Godfrey Bellingham
Enters the room during Paul and Ruth's conversation, supports Paul's proposal to help with dictation, and persuades Ruth to accept.
- John Thorndyke
Mentioned as wanting to see the will; Paul plans to show him the copy.
- Arthur Jellicoe
Mentioned as the solicitor and Egyptologist who inherits part of John Bellingham's collection and is described as discreet and cautious.
- John Bellingham
Deceased uncle, described as obstinate, self-willed, and wrongheaded. His will is considered absurd and like that of a lunatic.
Key passages
““I see no objection,” she rejoined; “but you know what my father is: his horror, I mean, of what he calls ‘cadging for advice gratis.’ ””
Ruth says she has no objection to showing the will to Thorndyke, but notes that her father dislikes asking for free advice.
Ruth expresses concern about her father's reluctance to seek unpaid professional advice.
““My Uncle John,” she answered reflectively, “was a very peculiar man, rather obstinate, very self-willed, what people call ‘masterful,’ and decidedly wrongheaded and unreasonable.””
Ruth describes her uncle John as stubborn, self-willed, and unreasonable.
Ruth characterizes her uncle's personality as difficult and contrary.
““I’m not sure that it can’t be helped,” said I.”
Paul suggests that Ruth's work problem might be solvable.
Paul proposes a solution to help Ruth with her work despite her injured hand.