David Harum · Chapter
XV explained
John Lenox begins to take over the bank's operations as Chet Timson prepares to leave.
What happens
John Lenox begins to take over the bank's operations as Chet Timson prepares to leave. David Harum invites John to tea, where he meets Mrs. Bixbee, though the evening is socially awkward. Chet Timson boasts about a new job and avoids handing over the balance sheets, leading David to predict he will leave on the early train.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the climax because it reveals the emotional and psychological turning point where John Leno…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Horse Trading and Moral Ambiguity
Chet Timson's evasive behavior and David's cynical prediction about his departure reflect the moral gray areas in business dealings.
- Character and Reputation
Chet's self-importance and David's blunt assessment highlight how reputation and trust are negotiated in a small community.
Characters to notice
- John Lenox
John takes over the bank's daily work, asks Chet for the balance sheets, and is invited to tea at David's house.
- David Harum
David grumbles about Chet's departure, invites John to tea, and warns Mrs. Bixbee not to mention eagles.
- Chet Timson
Chet announces he is leaving for a new job with a big concern, avoids giving John the balance sheets, and plans to take the morning train.
- Aunt Polly
Mrs. Bixbee is introduced as David's sister; she is eager to meet John but is constrained by David's teasing prohibition.
- Peleg Hopkins
Peleg helps put up the shutters at the office and departs with the mail.
Key passages
“He won’t do no such a thing. We’ve seen the last of him, you bet, an’ a good riddance. He’ll take the nine o’clock tonight, that’s what he’ll do.”
David predicts Chet will skip town on the evening train rather than return in the morning.
David's shrewd assessment of Chet's character.
“Polly, I’ve ast the young feller to come to tea, but don’t you say the word ‘Eagle,’ to him.”
David jokingly forbids his sister from mentioning eagles to John.
A playful reference to an earlier misunderstanding about eagles.
