# The Harbour Bell Again explained — Toilers of the Sea

> Chapter companion for Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Gilliatt returns to St. Sampson after dark and secretly watches Déruchette in her garden. He witnesses a proposal from a stranger, who declares his love and asks for her hand in marriage. The chapter ends with a distant cry for help and the harbour bell ringing, which startles Gilliatt from his reverie.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Gilliatt's silent, self-effacing love contrasts with the stranger's open declaration; both involve sacrifice and devotion.

### Solitude and Isolation

Gilliatt watches from the shadows, alone and unseen, while Déruchette is courted by another, highlighting his emotional isolation.

## Character check-ins

### Gilliatt

Returns to St. Sampson after a slow passage, secretly observes Déruchette from a hidden corner, and witnesses her receiving a marriage proposal.

### Déruchette

Sitting in the garden, she is approached by a stranger who proposes marriage; she appears surprised and moved.

### Rev. Mr. Caudray

The stranger who proposes to Déruchette; his voice is described as soft, and he speaks of love and duty.

## Key lines

> Gilliatt, in fact, after a passage without accident, but somewhat slow on account of the heavy burden of the sloop, had arrived at St. Sampson after dark, and nearer ten than nine o’clock.

Gilliatt reached St. Sampson after dark, around ten o'clock, having had a slow but safe journey due to the sloop's heavy load.

_Describes Gilliatt's arrival and the timing of the chapter's events._

> He seemed to be gazing on a vision of paradise, and was afraid that all would vanish.

He felt as if he were looking at a heavenly vision and feared it might disappear.

_Captures Gilliatt's awe and fear while watching Déruchette._

> I love you. God made not the heart of man to be silent. He has promised him eternity with the intention that he should not be alone.

I love you. God did not create the human heart to remain silent; He promised eternity so that no one would be alone.

_The stranger's declaration of love to Déruchette._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-harbour-bell-again
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters