The Maid of Sker · Chapter
XXXI: Two Lovers explained
Davy, concealed in his punt, observes a clandestine meeting between Captain Drake Bampfylde and Isabel Carey at Narnton Court.
What happens
Davy, concealed in his punt, observes a clandestine meeting between Captain Drake Bampfylde and Isabel Carey at Narnton Court. He watches as Drake's crew lands a heavy chest, then departs, leaving the captain alone. Drake and Isabel embrace and converse, with Isabel expressing fear of a 'dreadful man'—likely Parson Chowne—and urging Drake to be careful. Davy reflects on his own discomfort with spying and his resolve to remain faithful to his late wife.
Themes in this chapter
Gender and Power
Isabel's emotional pleas and Drake's protective yet dismissive responses highlight the gendered dynamics of love and authority.
Truth and Narrative Reliability
Davy admits uncertainty about what he sees ('how can I tell?'), underscoring the limits of his observation and the foggy, ambiguous nature of events.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Narrator observing the lovers from his hidden punt, feeling uneasy about spying and recalling his own romantic past.
- Captain Drake Bampfylde
Meets Isabel secretly at Narnton Court, lands a chest, and is warned by her about a dangerous man.
- Miss Isabel Carey
Meets Drake at night, expresses fear for his safety, and urges him to avoid a 'dreadful man.'
Key passages
“how can I tell, when they both were so far off, and river-fogs arising?”
I cannot be certain because they were far away and fog was rising from the river.
Davy acknowledges the unreliability of his observations due to distance and weather.
“Discipline I will have always; and I must have the same with you, until you take command of me.”
I insist on discipline in all things, including with you, until you become my wife and take charge.
Drake playfully asserts his authority while hinting at future marriage.
“He does not dislike you, Drake Bampfylde; he hates you with all the venomous, cold, black hatred, such as I fear to think of”
He doesn't just dislike you; he hates you with a cold, venomous hatred that frightens me.
Isabel warns Drake about a man's intense enmity, likely Parson Chowne.