The Maid of Sker · Chapter
For a Little Change of Air explained
Davy takes Bardie away from the gloom of Sker House to his own dwelling, where she initially revives but soon shows signs of neglect and fragility.
What happens
Davy takes Bardie away from the gloom of Sker House to his own dwelling, where she initially revives but soon shows signs of neglect and fragility. He resolves to keep her, despite the rising cost of meat. Bunny arrives and the two girls bond over their clothes. To avoid the grand funeral in Newton, Davy takes Bardie on a quiet sea cruise, hoping the waves might restore her spirits.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Orphanhood
Davy's decision to keep Bardie reflects a makeshift family bond, as Bardie longs for her parents and brother.
Maritime Life and Adventure
Davy takes Bardie on a quiet sea cruise in his boat, using the sea as a setting for healing and escape.
Social Class and Identity
The children's attention to clothes and Davy's concern for Bardie's station highlight class and domestic propriety.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Davy cares for Bardie, brushes her hair, and decides to keep her despite the cost. He takes her to sea to escape the funeral.
- Bardie
Bardie shows a flash of her old spirit but is pale, thin, and tearful. She plays with Bunny and goes to sea with Davy.
- Bunny
Bunny arrives full of apples and is immediately drawn to Bardie. She stays behind to watch the funeral.
- Mother Jones
Mentioned as a possible scribe for women's matters, though she cannot spell.
Key passages
“Poor Bardie appeared as full of bright spirit, and as brave as ever, and when she tumbled from jumping two steps, what did she do but climb back and jump three, which even Bunny was afraid to do.”
Bardie seemed cheerful and bold, even jumping three steps after falling from two, something Bunny wouldn't dare.
Shows Bardie's initial resilience after leaving Sker House.
“I said to myself, 'I must have this child. Whatever may come of it, I will risk—when the price of butcher’s-meat comes down.'”
Davy decides to keep Bardie, but only when meat becomes affordable.
Davy's resolve to adopt Bardie is tempered by practical economic concerns.
“And so I shipped her gingerly. The glory of her mind was such that overboard she must have jumped, except for my Sunday necktie with a half-hitch knot around her.”
Davy carefully put Bardie in the boat, tying her with his necktie to prevent her from jumping overboard in excitement.
Davy's protective care during the sea outing.