Roger Carbury and His Two Friends explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family Obligation and Selfishness

  Roger Carbury feels responsible for Ruby Ruggles's welfare and advises John Crumb, while Ruby's grandfather has disowned her.

• Deception and Hypocrisy

  Roger Carbury is not entirely sincere with John Crumb about Felix's involvement with Ruby; Paul Montague's public appearance with Mrs. Hurtle is deceptive to society.

Characters to notice

• Roger Carbury

  Returns home after finding Ruby Ruggles; advises John Crumb to delay his visit; later confronts Paul Montague at Lowestoft about his relationship with Mrs. Hurtle.

• John Crumb

  Visits Roger Carbury to learn about Ruby; expresses his love and anxiety about the Baronet; considers sending Mrs. Pipkin a blue cloak.

• Ruby Ruggles

  Living with her aunt Mrs. Pipkin in Islington; Roger believes she is a good girl and that hardship will do her good.

• Paul Montague

  Found at Lowestoft with Mrs. Hurtle; introduces her to Roger Carbury; admits the folly of his situation but feels unable to desert her.

• Mrs. Hurtle

  Accompanies Paul Montague to Lowestoft; coldly acknowledges Roger Carbury; leaves the two men to talk.

Key passages

• “Huggery-Muggery is pi’son to me, squoire.”

  Secrecy and underhandedness are poison to me, squire.

  John Crumb expresses his disdain for secretive behavior in romantic matters.

• “I think that a little hardship up at Mrs. Pipkin’s will do her good.”

  I believe that some difficulty while living with Mrs. Pipkin will benefit Ruby.

  Roger Carbury advises John Crumb to let Ruby experience some discomfort to appreciate a better life.

• “Is this wise?”

  Is this a sensible course of action?

  Roger Carbury questions Paul Montague's judgment in being publicly seen with Mrs. Hurtle.