Maurice: Chapter 43 Summary & Analysis

Alec and Maurice decide to meet at the British Museum. Alec arrives first. When Maurice arrives for the “most dangerous day of his life,” he has no plan. Maurice looks on Alec with friendliness, though. Alec says that he knows about Maurice’s relationship with Clive, and Maurice tells him not to bring that into all of this. Alec says he also knows it wouldn’t be good for Maurice if certain things came to light. He says he has always been a “respectable young fellow” until Maurice called him into his room to “amuse [himself].” He tells Maurice he’s had his fun and now better pay up. The two are then approached by Mr. Ducie, who recognizes Maurice’s voice but calls him by the name of a different former pupil.

Maurice tells Ducie he’s not who he thinks he is and says his name is Scudder. Alec tells Mr. Ducie that’s not right and that he has a serious accusation to make against Maurice. Mr. Ducie laughs as if it is all a joke. When Ducie leaves, Maurice says to Alec, “You tried to blackmail me.” Alec tries to deny the accusation. He asks Maurice why he didn’t come to the boathouse. Maurice says he was in a muddle. Alec says talking is no use and offers Maurice his hand. When Maurice takes it, he understands how their physical love, followed by abandonment, must have turned to panic, then fear, and then cruelty in Alec. Alec says, “Sleep the night with me. I know a place.” Maurice says he can’t—he has a prior engagement—but then says, “All right. To Hell with it.”