The Master of Ballantrae · Chapter
X: Passages at New York explained
Mackellar arrives in New York ahead of the Master and warns Lord Durrisdeer of his brother's approach.
What happens
Mackellar arrives in New York ahead of the Master and warns Lord Durrisdeer of his brother's approach. Lord Durrisdeer, having prepared a public humiliation, confronts the Master before the Governor and other notables, accusing him of crimes and offering him a choice between passage home or a meager allowance in New York, with the condition that he not speak to any family member. The Master, though pale, accepts the allowance and stays, plotting revenge with the help of Secundra Dass.
Themes in this chapter
Fraternal Rivalry
The public confrontation in New York escalates the brothers' conflict, with Lord Durrisdeer deliberately humiliating the Master before the colonial elite.
Honor and Deception
Both brothers manipulate public perception: Lord Durrisdeer uses his title and reputation to discredit the Master, while the Master claims his birthright and accuses his brother of theft and perjury.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Mackellar's loyalty to Lord Durrisdeer is evident as he rushes to warn him and later defends him publicly, while the Master's betrayal of family trust is laid bare.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Mackellar
Arrives in New York ahead of the Master, warns Lord Durrisdeer, and later witnesses the public confrontation.
- Mr. Henry
Now called Lord Durrisdeer, he has prepared a public humiliation for the Master, offering him a choice between leaving or staying under strict conditions.
- The Master
Arrives in New York and is publicly humiliated by his brother, but accepts the allowance and stays, plotting revenge with Secundra Dass.
- Mrs. Henry
Present at the confrontation, she rises with a pinched expression and takes her children inside.
- Secundra Dass
The Master's devoted servant, a skilled goldsmith, who helps him gather funds for future plans.
- Jacob Chew
Mentioned as a merchant of Albany who had suspicions of a murder involving the Master.
Key passages
“I escaped out of the convulsion, like another Aeneas, with Secundra Dass upon my back.”
I fled the chaos, carrying Secundra Dass like the hero Aeneas carried his father.
The Master compares himself to the mythical Aeneas, emphasizing his survival and burden.
“I have been met here with some very unmerited insults, from which I have certainly no idea to take refuge by flight. Give me your pittance; I take it without shame, for it is mine already—like the shirt upon your back.”
I have been insulted here without cause, and I will not run away. Give me the small allowance you offer; I accept it without shame because it is rightfully mine, just as the shirt on your back is yours.
The Master defiantly accepts the allowance, asserting his claim to the family wealth.