Of Human Bondage

The shop where Philip works closes for four days around Christmas. He writes to ask William whether he could stop by Blackstable for the holidays. His housekeeper, Mrs. Foster, writes back to confirm that Philip can stay. When Philip arrives in Blackstable, Mrs. Foster greets Philip at the door and tells him he should pretend that all is well and avoid commenting on William’s deteriorating state. Philip sees that William is clearly dying, but he lies at dinner, claiming William looks stronger than he did in the summer.

All William talks about is his health, complaining about doctor’s bills. He takes little interest in Philip’s life. Philip sees that Mrs. Foster really cares about trying to make William comfortable. Meanwhile, William’s faith seems to offer no comfort to face death, and he performs rituals like his regular prayers as a formality.

On Boxing Day, Philip looks around the house at things he could sell after William’s death and finds little of value. He contemplates how easy it would be for him to interfere with Mrs. Foster’s nightly process of giving William medicine, ensuring that William gets a lethal dose. It might be for the best, even for William, who has little to look forward to in life. But then Philip looks William in the eyes and feels horror about the murder he’s been contemplating. William says he hopes Philip isn’t looking forward to William’s death and the money that will come with it. Philip assures him he isn’t.

Philip wants to change the subject, so he asks about Miss Wilkinson. William replies he got a letter from her saying she married a widower. She seems to be living fairly comfortably.