The Eye of Osiris · Chapter
XVI: O Artemidorus, Farewell! explained
Paul Berkeley confesses his love to Ruth Bellingham, but she rejects him due to an unspecified insurmountable obstacle.
What happens
Paul Berkeley confesses his love to Ruth Bellingham, but she rejects him due to an unspecified insurmountable obstacle. After she leaves, Paul reflects on his loss and finds solace in the portrait of Artemidorus. Later, Mr. Jellicoe discusses the peculiar bitumen coating on John Bellingham's mummy with Paul and Ruth, then departs. Paul observes how Ruth has changed since their friendship began, growing younger and more gentle, and he wonders if the change is due to him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
Paul confesses his deep love for Ruth, but she rejects him due to an unspecified obstacle, highlighting the theme of unrequited or forbidden love.
Grief and Suspense
Paul experiences profound grief and desolation after Ruth's rejection, while the mystery of the obstacle creates suspense.
Mystery and Detection
Mr. Jellicoe discusses the unexplained bitumen coating on the mummy, adding a layer of mystery to the narrative.
Characters to notice
- Paul Berkeley
Confesses his love to Ruth and is rejected; later reflects on his loss and observes Ruth's transformation.
- Ruth Bellingham
Rejects Paul's confession, citing an insurmountable obstacle; appears agitated and pale; later discusses the mummy with Mr. Jellicoe.
- Arthur Jellicoe
Discusses the bitumen coating on John Bellingham's mummy with Paul and Ruth, then departs.
- John Bellingham
His mummy is the subject of discussion regarding the bitumen coating.
Key passages
“I will tell you how you know, Ruth,” I whispered passionately. “It was because I loved you more than anyone else in the world has ever loved you, and you felt my love in your heart and called it sympathy.””
Paul tells Ruth that her sense of his sympathy is actually her perception of his deep love for her.
Paul's confession of love to Ruth.
“I will wait for you as Jacob waited for Rachel; and as the long years seemed to him but as a few days because of the love he bore her, so it shall be with me, if only you will not send me away quite without hope.””
Paul promises to wait for Ruth indefinitely, comparing his patience to Jacob's biblical wait for Rachel.
Paul's plea for hope in the face of rejection.
“It can’t be—it can never be. There is something that makes it impossible, now and always. I can’t tell you more than that.””
Ruth insists that a permanent, undisclosed barrier prevents any romantic relationship between them.
Ruth's cryptic refusal.