Silas Marner
George Eliot
Contributed by Harvey Landy
Chapter 13
Summary

We’re back at the Red House. It’s later in the evening, and the guests have gotten drunker. Godfrey has his eyes trained on Nancy, who’s sitting with her father. When he raises his eyes from looking at her, though, he sees Silas coming through the door with his child. Silas comes in and asks to see the doctor. There’s a woman by his cottage, he says, in need of medical attention. He thinks she may be dead. 

Everyone begins speculating about whose child it is, and Godfrey is in the uncomfortable position of having to play along with not knowing the child. He asks himself if he is indeed certain that it’s his daughter. One of the women suggests that Silas leave the child at the Red House, but Silas is adamant about keeping her -- a reaction that surprises him. He hadn’t realized that he wanted her so very much. 

Godfrey and Dolly Winthrop set out in the snow to find the body. He is secretly hoping that Molly is dead, for then he can marry Nancy. He swears to himself that if this is so he’ll be nothing but good in the future. When they arrive at the cottage, Godfrey is informed that Molly is dead. 

Godfrey steps into Silas’ home and finds him sitting with the child. When she sees him, she doesn’t appear to recognize him, which makes Godfrey simultaneously regretful and pleased. She can make no claims on him. Silas states his intentions now to keep the child, and Godfrey returns home relieved.

info_outline
Have study documents to share about Silas Marner? Upload them to earn free Studypool credits!