David Harum · Chapter
XXIX explained
David Harum recounts to John Lenox the story of how he sold a horse to Miss Claricy Verjoos and her father, Mr.
What happens
David Harum recounts to John Lenox the story of how he sold a horse to Miss Claricy Verjoos and her father, Mr. Verjoos, highlighting the cleverness of the young woman and the awkward yet ultimately successful negotiation with her father. The chapter explores David's puzzlement over John's character and the boundaries between seriousness and jest in his own mind.
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 Rising action.
- 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
David's story of selling a horse to the Verjoos family illustrates the blend of shrewdness and fairness in his business dealings, highlighting the moral complexities of horse trading.
- Character and Reputation
The chapter explores the reputations of the Verjoos family members, contrasting Mr. Verjoos's unpopularity with Claricy's likability, and reflects on David's own character as a banker and horse trader.
Characters to notice
- David Harum
Tells the story of his horse trade with the Verjoos family, reflecting on his business acumen and his relationship with the community.
- John Lenox
Listens to David's story, providing commentary and laughter, and continues to gain insight into David's character.
- Miss Verjoos
Mentioned as the older sister who accompanies Claricy in the carriage during the horse-buying incident.
- Claricy
The younger Verjoos sister who skillfully negotiates the purchase of a horse from David, impressing him with her horse knowledge and confidence.
- Mr. Verjoos
The father of Claricy and Juliet, described as unpopular but ultimately agrees to David's price for the horse after an awkward negotiation.
Key passages
“The domains of the serious and the facetious in David’s mind seemed to have no very well defined boundaries.”
David often blurred the line between seriousness and humor, making it hard for John to predict his reactions.
Highlights David's eccentric and unpredictable nature.
“I’ve bought an’ sold hosses to some extent fer a consid’able number o’ years, but that partic’ler transaction’s got a peg all to itself.”
David considers the horse sale to Claricy Verjoos a unique and memorable deal in his long experience.
Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the transaction.
“No favor at all, not a bit on’t, not a bit on’t. It was the cleanest an’ slickist deal I ever had.”
David insists that the deal was fair and straightforward, not a favor to Mr. Verjoos.
Reflects David's pride in his honest and clever business practices.
