Ralph appeals to Mr. Bray’s worst qualities to try and convince Mr. Bray to do something he knows is wrong. While Madeline has displayed unbending loyalty to her father, Ralph is convinced that Arthur will ultimately betray his daughter out of self-interest. That dynamic shows the heartbreaking nature of several relationship and familial dynamics in the novel, as people like Ralph, Mr. Mantalini, and Mr. Bray repeatedly put their own needs ahead of the needs of their families in ways that lead to catastrophic consequences.