# One Who Has Interred Himself explained — The Maid of Sker

> Chapter companion for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

Davy Llewellyn recounts the public reaction to his discovery of the dolls and the Captain's hat, which he presents to Sir Philip Bampfylde. Sir Philip, moved to tears, thanks Davy and asks him to deliver the items to his son, Squire Philip. Davy later reflects on his longing for home while gazing across the Bristol Channel, but dismisses a wild idea of crossing, suspecting Parson Chowne's involvement in a sinister plot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Narrative Reliability

Davy asserts his version of events and his role in the discovery, while others doubt him, highlighting the theme of contested truth.

### Social Class and Identity

Davy's pride in his Welsh heritage and his interaction with Sir Philip illustrate class dynamics and personal identity.

### Family and Orphanhood

Sir Philip's emotional response to the tokens of his son underscores themes of family loss and paternal grief.

## Character check-ins

### Davy Llewellyn

Davy narrates the chapter, describing his discovery of the dolls and hat, his audience with Sir Philip, and his reflections on home.

### Sir Philip Bampfylde

Sir Philip receives the dolls and hat from Davy, weeps with gratitude, and asks Davy to deliver them to his son.

### Parson Chowne

Davy speculates that Chowne is behind the burial of the dolls and hat, recalling his past rudeness and suspecting him of drowning two children.

### Snap

Davy credits Snap with helping him make the discovery, though Snap does not appear directly in the chapter.

## Key lines

> Such an effect was now produced all over all around us, that every man pressed for his neighbour’s opinion, rather than offer his own, almost.

The public was so affected that people sought others' opinions instead of forming their own.

_Davy describes the collective uncertainty following the discovery._

> I kept my spade well up, and the two dolls in my arms, with their heads down, and even their feet grudged to the view of the gossipers.

I held the dolls close, hiding them from the curious crowd.

_Davy controls the narrative by limiting what others see._

> It is not for me (who have never been so deeply stirred in the grain of the heart by heaven’s visitations) to go through and make a show of this most noble and ancient gentleman’s doings, or feelings, or language even.

I cannot presume to describe the emotions of such a noble man, as I have never experienced such profound grief.

_Davy expresses humility when recounting Sir Philip's reaction._

> How long is this mere river to keep me from my people at home?

How much longer will this small stretch of water separate me from my family?

_Davy longs to return to Wales._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlix-one-who-has-interred-himself
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters