Uncle Silas · Chapter
X: A Chapter-Full of Lovers explained
Dudley Ruthyn confronts Maud in a secluded spot after sending Milly away, professing his affection and pressing her for kindness, which she rebuffs.
What happens
Dudley Ruthyn confronts Maud in a secluded spot after sending Milly away, professing his affection and pressing her for kindness, which she rebuffs. Later, Lord Ilbury visits Bartram-Haugh, bringing a message from his sister and arranging a future visit. Maud and Milly discuss Lord Ilbury's attentions, and Maud blushes at Milly's teasing. Lord Ilbury reports that Uncle Silas looks weaker and agrees to postpone a business discussion. Dudley reappears, sulky and complaining about money, seeking sympathy from Maud.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Dudley's trick of sending Milly away to engineer a private meeting with Maud exemplifies deceptive behavior masked as innocent cousinly concern.
Gender and Power
Maud's firm rejection of Dudley's advances and her control over the conversation highlight her resistance to male dominance, while Lord Ilbury's respectful approach contrasts with Dudley's coercion.
Characters to notice
- Maud Ruthyn
Maud is annoyed and angry at Dudley's trick to get her alone, firmly rejects his advances, and later enjoys Lord Ilbury's visit, blushing at Milly's teasing.
- Dudley Ruthyn
Dudley confronts Maud alone, professes his liking for her, and later appears sulky and complaining about money troubles.
- Milly Ruthyn
Milly is sent home by Dudley as a trick, later teases Maud about Lord Ilbury's attentions, and shows her reformed but still playful nature.
- Lord Ilbury
Lord Ilbury visits Bartram-Haugh, brings a message from his sister, arranges a future visit, and discusses Uncle Silas's health and business matters.
- Uncle Silas
Uncle Silas is recovering but appears much weaker; he sees Lord Ilbury briefly.
Key passages
“Ye see, Maud, I’ve bin thinkin’ why you’re so vexed wi’ me, an’ I thought I’d jest come back an’ ask ye what I may a’ done to anger ye so; there’s no sin in that, I think—is there?”
Dudley asks Maud why she is upset with him, claiming he only wants to know what he did wrong.
Dudley's manipulative approach to gain Maud's sympathy.
“I just refused a present from her, because I knew she could not spare it.”
Milly says she declined a gift from Maud because she thought Maud needed it herself.
Milly's teasing remark about Maud's supposed attachment to Lord Ilbury.
“There’s the Governor says he hasn’t a bob! Danged if I know how an old fellah in his bedroom muddles away money at that rate.”
Dudley complains that his father claims to have no money, and he cannot understand how an old man in bed spends so much.
Dudley's frustration over financial constraints and his father's control.