Chapter
nine begins with a description of the Squire. Obviously the man is very proud of his
family heritage and concerned about keeping it intact. Eliot continues, "The Squire
had been used to parish homage all his life, used to the pre-supposition that his family,
his tankards, and everything that was his, were the oldest and best; and as he never
associated with any gentry higher than himself, his opinion was not disturbed by
comparison."After the
others had eaten, Godfrey finds his father starting his own breakfast, and quickly
confronts him about what has happened with Dunstan and the horse. Although the Squire is
angry with Godfrey about the debts he owes, the old man saves most of his criticism for
Dunstan, saying, "Let him turn ostler, and keep himself. He shant hang on me
any more." Thus, Godfrey has maintained (though barely) his place in the family while
Dunstan is forever exiled. |