# A Fine Old Gentleman explained — The Maid of Sker

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

## What happens

Davy reflects on his life as a ferryman, his interactions with Nanette and a farmer's daughter, and his growing reputation. He then encounters Sir Philip Bampfylde to warn him about Parson Chowne's son Stoyle, but Sir Philip dismisses the warning, defending Stoyle's character and holy office.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Identity

Davy's interactions with Sir Philip highlight class distinctions, as Davy navigates his role as a common ferryman while being treated with courtesy by the nobleman.

### Morality and Hypocrisy

Sir Philip's defense of Stoyle Chowne despite warnings suggests a tension between moral reputation and actual behavior, questioning the hypocrisy of those in power.

### Family and Orphanhood

Davy's fond memories of Bardie and his concern for Bunny reflect themes of orphanhood and surrogate family bonds.

## Character check-ins

### Davy Llewellyn

Davy narrates his ferry work, his thoughts on women, and his visit to Sir Philip to warn him about Stoyle Chowne.

### Bardie

Davy recalls Bardie fondly while thinking of apples, remembering her term 'appledies' and her little teeth marks.

### Sir Philip Bampfylde

Sir Philip is encountered by Davy in his orchard; he is grieving but courteous, and dismisses Davy's warning about Stoyle Chowne.

### Master Stoyle Chowne

Stoyle is mentioned as the godson of Sir Philip, whom Davy warns is planning mischief; Sir Philip defends him.

### Parson Chowne

Parson Chowne is referenced as the father of Stoyle and as a source of Davy's fear and suspicion.

### Miss Isabel Carey

Davy receives his well-earned salary from Mistress Isabel Carey, who also arranged his meeting with Sir Philip.

## Key lines

> I made up my mind to tempt Providence, or rather perhaps the most opposite Power, by holding on where I was, in spite of the Parson and all his devices.

I decided to risk fate, or maybe the devil, by staying put despite the Parson's schemes.

_Davy resolves to defy Parson Chowne's attempts to drive him away._

> Nothing better fits a man, for dealing with the womankind, than to be well up in fish.

Knowing about fish is the best preparation for handling women.

_Davy uses a fishing metaphor to describe his understanding of women._

> Suddenly a great explosion blew me out of my berth, and filled the whole of the cuddy with blaze and smoke.

A loud explosion threw me from my bed and filled the cabin with fire and smoke.

_Davy describes an attack on his boat, likely by Parson Chowne._

> I never can believe that he would ever do me injury. If I thought it, I should have to think amiss of almost everyone.

I cannot believe he would harm me. If I did, I would have to suspect everyone.

_Sir Philip refuses to believe Stoyle Chowne could be a threat._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxviii-a-fine-old-gentleman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters