Jealousy and Rivalry

Valentine Browne's jealousy of Geoffrey Newton, sparked by romantic competition and exacerbated by misunderstandings, leads to a violent confrontation, demonstrating how unchecked envy can poison friendships and lead to tragedy.

Geoffrey and Valentine compete fiercely in haymaking, each trying to outdo the other to win Margaret's favour.

Geoffrey's jealousy of Valentine is the central conflict of the chapter, driving him to break a bough, accuse Margaret, and later witness Valentine kissing her hand.

Valentine's jealousy over Margaret and his accumulated resentment toward Geoffrey drive him to fire deliberately, escalating a minor accident into a life-threatening duel.