Uneasy Money · Chapter
XXIII explained
Elizabeth sends Bill away because she feels he can never be certain of her love after overhearing Nutty's words.
What happens
Elizabeth sends Bill away because she feels he can never be certain of her love after overhearing Nutty's words. Nutty is devastated by the loss of a wealthy brother-in-law and the prospect of a lifetime of farm work. Elizabeth struggles with doubt and regret, while Nutty complains about his fate. Elizabeth offers to pay off Nutty's debt with her savings.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Infatuation
Elizabeth's decision to send Bill away is driven by a deep, selfless love, contrasting with Nutty's selfish regret over lost financial gain.
Honesty and Deception
Elizabeth's honesty about her feelings leads to a painful separation, while Nutty's deception about the money troubles him.
Characters to notice
- Elizabeth Boyd
Sends Bill away out of love and doubt, then struggles with regret and self-torment.
- Nutty Boyd
Moans about losing a wealthy brother-in-law and faces a bleak future on the farm.
Key passages
“I sent him away because I loved him, and because, after what had happened, he could never be certain that I loved him.”
Elizabeth explains that she sent Bill away out of love, fearing he would always doubt her feelings.
Elizabeth's rationale for her painful decision.
“It seemed to her, in those first minutes, that she had done a mad thing, that all those arguments which she had used were far fetched and ridiculous.”
Elizabeth immediately regrets her decision, feeling her reasoning was flawed.
Elizabeth's doubt and regret after Bill's departure.