Ukridge Stories · Chapter
Ukridge Sees Her Through explained
The narrator attempts dictation with a stenographer, discovering it is Dora Mason, who reveals Ukridge guaranteed a hundred pounds for her partnership in a typewriting bureau.
What happens
The narrator attempts dictation with a stenographer, discovering it is Dora Mason, who reveals Ukridge guaranteed a hundred pounds for her partnership in a typewriting bureau. Ukridge later visits, boasting about the narrator's vision and defending his guarantee as a matter of honour after getting Dora dismissed by his aunt.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Ukridge insists on helping Dora Mason as a matter of honour, and the narrator assists with Hank Philbrick.
Deception and Manipulation
Ukridge borrows money from the narrator while claiming to have access to large sums.
Poverty and Impecunity
Ukridge's constant borrowing and the narrator's financial concerns highlight their precarious finances.
Characters to notice
- Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge
Guarantees Dora Mason's loan, borrows money from narrator, and helps Hank Philbrick.
- Corky
Narrator who attempts dictation and learns of Ukridge's guarantee.
- Dora Mason
Stenographer and partner in typewriting bureau; Ukridge guaranteed her loan.
- Hank Philbrick
Drunk man found sitting on pavement, smoking two cigars, wearing hat on foot.
Key passages
“has money?” “Crawling with it, laddie. Hasn’t found out yet there’s anything smaller than a five-pound note in circulation. He took me to lunch, and when he tipped the waiter the man burst into tears and kissed him on both cheeks.””
Ukridge describes Hank Philbrick as extremely wealthy and generous, causing a waiter to cry and kiss him after a large tip.
Ukridge exaggerates Hank's wealth to justify his association.
“I am bound to admit that I felt easier in my mind, for it really did seem as though the fortunes of Miss Mason rested on firm ground.”
The narrator feels relieved thinking Dora Mason's financial situation is secure.
Irony, as Ukridge's schemes are unreliable.
““I’m sorry,” I said, “but I’m afraid it’s not much use going on. I don’t seem able to manage it.””
The narrator admits he cannot dictate his writing effectively.
Shows the narrator's struggle with the dictation method.
““He gave you a hundred pounds? Ukridge!” “Guaranteed it,” said Miss Mason.”
The narrator is shocked that Ukridge guaranteed a hundred-pound loan for Dora.
Highlights Ukridge's audacity and the narrator's disbelief.