The Grandfather's Embrace

Mr. Selfridge's love for his son's child, discovered in the middle of a legal war and ended by his own death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Quavering Scream

The Quavering Scream The Moment In the crowded Intelligence office, Mr. Selfridge raises his voice in a quavering scream: "My daughter-in-law is safe; but where is my son, where is my son, and my grandchild?" Why It Matters His love for his son and grandchild is the human heart of the insurance story. It is also the reason he will later embrace the child in Meyer's office. The scream announces a personal loss before any legal battle begins.

George, George

George, George The Moment Mr. Selfridge learns of a boat-load of sailors and children at Gibraltar. He shakes his head slowly, muttering "George, George," and leaves to telegraph the consul. Why It Matters The repetition of his son's name is a cry of grief. He cannot yet bring himself to say that George is dead. This is the moment when his love turns from hope to mourning.

The Recognition

The Recognition The Moment Mr. Selfridge asks the child her name, and her forehead wrinkles as she struggles with memory. Then her face sweetens and she says "Gwampa." He takes her in his arms. Why It Matters This is the strongest emotional bond in the book: the old grandfather holding the child who carries his son's blood. He thanks God. The recognition also binds Rowland to him, because the child arrived in Rowland's arms.

Fondling the Child

Fondling the Child The Moment While Rowland tells the story of the drugging, Mr. Selfridge carries Myra to a corner and fondles and talks to her after the manner of grandfathers the world over. Why It Matters The grandfather's love is an escape from the legal horror in the room. He is more interested in the child than in the testimony. This tenderness makes his sudden death all the more devastating.

Death and the Child

Death and the Child The Moment Mr. Selfridge learns he is ruined, stumbles, and dies of heart failure. The child he embraced moments ago is now left with no grandfather and no fortune. Why It Matters The grandfather's love is cut short by the same financial system that destroyed the Titan. His death makes the child's dependence on Rowland absolute. It is the most tragic emotional bond in the novel, formed and broken in a single day.

at Lloyds, day after loss

ten days later

in Mr. Meyer's office

while Rowland testifies

after the insurance news