Middlemarch, Chapter 33 summary

What happens

1. Mary keeps watch alone, reflecting on human foolishness and worrying that Fred Vincy may receive nothing from his uncle.
2. Around three, Featherstone reveals that he has two wills and orders Mary to retrieve one so he can burn it.
3. Mary refuses to handle the will, keys, or money because she fears appearing dishonest.
4. Featherstone demands Fred alone, but Mary insists on other witnesses or offers to send for a lawyer.
5. After another refusal, Featherstone throws his stick, then lies silent while Mary waits beside the fire.
6. Mary examines him in the growing daylight, rings the bell, and discovers that he is dead.

In this chapter

What to notice

Mary makes her own integrity more important than obedience to a dying employer. Her refusal keeps her from secretly altering his inheritance arrangements.

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