The Grandfather's Quest

Mr. Selfridge's search for his son and granddaughter, ending in recognition and sudden death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Where Is My Son

Where Is My Son The Moment In the crowded Intelligence office at Lloyds, a feeble old gentleman hears that his daughter-in-law is safe and raises a quavering scream: "But where is my son, where is my son, and my grandchild?" Why It Matters Mr. Selfridge is a large holder of Titan stock and has put everything he owned into the ship. The loss of his son and grandchild is the first blow. His repeated visits to Lloyds become a quiet subplot of grief. He will not rest until the child is found.

George, George

George, George The Moment Mr. Selfridge learns of a boat-load of sailors and children arrived at Gibraltar. He shakes his head slowly, muttering "George, George," and leaves the room to telegraph the consul and cross the channel. Why It Matters This is the moment when he begins to accept that his son may be dead. His mind turns to the grandchild who might still be alive. The emotional pivot sends him to London rather than home, setting up his meeting with Rowland and the child.

The Child in Canvas

The Child in Canvas The Moment When Rowland brings the child into Mr. Meyer's office, Mr. Selfridge stares at her, approaches, and asks her name. When she smiles and says "Gwampa," he trembles and takes her in his arms. Why It Matters The recognition gives him back a piece of his son. He murmurs, "Oh, God, I thank thee," and holds his granddaughter. The scene is the emotional high point for the old man. It also binds Rowland to him, since Rowland is the one who saved the child.

The Insurance Blow

The Insurance Blow The Moment Mr. Meyer tells Mr. Selfridge that the Titan's insurance will not be paid, and that the company may have to reimburse the Royal Age owners. Mr. Selfridge, who invested his last farthing in Titan stock, is ruined. Why It Matters The legal victory for the underwriters would be financial destruction for the old man. His stock, once worth one hundred thousand pounds, becomes worthless. The irony is brutal: the grandfather who has just found his grandchild is about to lose everything he could leave her.

Fatal Joy

Fatal Joy The Moment Mr. Selfridge stumbles toward a chair, gasps, and falls to the floor. By the time a doctor arrives, he has passed away from heart failure caused by violent emotion. Why It Matters The good news of finding his granddaughter and the bad news of his ruin arrive together and kill him. The child who was saved is left without either parent or grandfather. His death raises the stakes of Rowland's later choice. The same legal game that saved the child's fortune also cost the old man his life.

the first day of the Titan disaster at Lloyds

ten days later

two months later, in Mr. Meyer's office

moments later in the same office

at the moment of ruin