The Maid of Sker · Chapter
Sound Investments explained
Davy visits Sker to check on Bardie and Moxy, reflecting on his role as trustee for Bunny and Bardie's money.
What happens
Davy visits Sker to check on Bardie and Moxy, reflecting on his role as trustee for Bunny and Bardie's money. He establishes a fishing partnership called 'Bardie, Bunny, Llewellyn, and Co.' but faces a poor fishing season. The chapter explores Davy's self-justifying financial management and his interactions with Moxy and Bardie.
Themes in this chapter
Class Mobility and Ambition
Davy's establishment of a fishing partnership for the children's money reflects his ambition to improve their fortunes through investment and industry.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Davy rationalizes his control over the children's money, claiming self-denial while asserting ownership by virtue of rescue and kinship.
Family and Orphanhood
Bardie and Bunny are orphans under Davy's care; the chapter explores surrogate family dynamics and the responsibilities of guardianship.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Acts as trustee for Bunny and Bardie, invests their money in a fishing partnership, and reflects on his moral and financial duties.
- Bardie
Shows affection for Davy and playfully suggests being sold at market; is living with Moxy and Evan Thomas.
- Moxy Thomas
Intervenes in Davy's visit, expresses concern over Evan's broken spirit, and manages the household.
- Evan Thomas
Mentioned as broken down after the death of his five sons; finds comfort in watching Bardie.
- Bunny
Davy cleans and dresses her up; she is a beneficiary of the trust alongside Bardie.
- Sir Philip Bampfylde
Mentioned as the source of the trust for the children; Davy feels gratitude toward him.
Key passages
“Hy’se ’a been so long, old Davy, afore ’a come to see poor Bardie?”
Why have you been so long, old Davy, before coming to see poor Bardie?
Bardie greets Davy with a playful, affectionate complaint about his absence.
“Take poor Bardie to markiss, old Davy; and ’e get a great big money for her.”
Take poor Bardie to the market, old Davy, and they will get a lot of money for her.
Bardie mimics a market transaction, showing her imaginative play and understanding of commerce.
“Dyo! Why for you come again? Never you used to come like this. Put down Delushy, directly moment.”
Dyo! Why have you come again? You never used to come like this. Put down Delushy immediately.
Moxy scolds Davy for his sudden interest in Bardie, using the nickname 'Delushy' for the child.
“I not only kept all their money for them, but invested it in the manner which seemed to be most for their interest.”
I not only held onto their money, but invested it in what I thought was their best interest.
Davy justifies his financial management of the children's trust funds.