The Way We Live Now · Chapter
Lord Nidderdale’s Morality explained
Sir Felix Carbury and Lord Nidderdale discuss their grievances about not profiting from the railway shares like Lord Alfred Grendall and Paul Montague.
What happens
Sir Felix Carbury and Lord Nidderdale discuss their grievances about not profiting from the railway shares like Lord Alfred Grendall and Paul Montague. Nidderdale expresses a live-and-let-live philosophy, but both are uneasy about Melmotte's control. Nidderdale later confronts Melmotte about the shares, receiving a vague assurance that things will come right, especially if he marries Marie.
Themes in this chapter
Speculation and Ruin
The chapter highlights the unequal distribution of speculative profits among directors, with Lord Alfred benefiting while others feel cheated, foreshadowing potential ruin.
Deception and Hypocrisy
Nidderdale's moralizing about forgiveness contrasts with his own pursuit of an heiress and his envy of Lord Alfred's gains, exposing the hypocrisy of the financial elite.
Marriage as Financial Transaction
Melmotte's hint that Nidderdale's marriage to Marie would unlock shares underscores the transactional nature of marriage in this society.
Characters to notice
- Sir Felix Carbury
Anxious about being jockeyed out of profits, he questions Nidderdale about shares and later fears Melmotte's power over his marriage prospects.
- Lord Nidderdale
Philosophical about gambling debts and forgiveness, he confronts Melmotte about the unequal distribution of shares, but accepts Melmotte's evasive explanation.
- Augustus Melmotte
Defends his preferential treatment of Lord Alfred, dismisses Nidderdale's complaint, and hints at future rewards if Nidderdale marries Marie.
- Paul Montague
Has sold shares and profited, causing envy among other directors; he remains conflicted about the venture's honesty but enjoys the social benefits.
- Lord Alfred Grendall
Mentioned as having sold shares and profited, seen by the young men as Melmotte's 'head valet' and unfairly favored.
- Miles Grendall
Mentioned as owing gambling debts; Felix and Nidderdale consider pressing him for payment.
Key passages
“Live and let live;—that’s my motto.”
Nidderdale advocates for tolerance and not judging others harshly.
Reflects Nidderdale's moral flexibility and his reluctance to confront wrongdoing directly.
“Where the devil would a fellow find himself if the money wasn’t all there?”
Nidderdale questions the wisdom of marrying Marie if her fortune proves illusory.
Highlights the central anxiety about Melmotte's wealth and the risks of marrying for money.