Silas and Eppie are at home alone that evening as Silas explains to her how he used to treasure his money before she came to him. Now he feels that the money was taken from him in time to save him, and it has been kept for him until it was wanted for her.
Godfrey and Nancy interrupt this talk. Godfrey begins by saying that he feels bound to make up for what a member of his family did to Silas. Then they speak of how little money Silas really has. At last, Godfrey comes to the point of offering to raise Eppie as his daughter. Silas manages to reply that he will not stand in her way. Eppie, however, refuses politely, saying that she cannot leave her father. Godfrey has been anxious to set his error right, but now this block irritates him. He puts forth his claim on Eppie as his own child. Silas says angrily that Godfrey should have claimed her sixteen years ago, that repentance cannot change the events of sixteen years. Godfrey finally says that Silas should not stand in the way of the child's welfare. He wants to save her from marrying a workingman and leading a hard life forever. Silas then tells him to ask Eppie what she wants.
Godfrey gently asks Eppie to come live with him, and Nancy also urges her. Eppie says she cannot be happy apart from Silas. When Silas asks her to consider carefully, she replies that she does not care to be a lady. Nancy then reminds Eppie that she has a duty to her real father; but Eppie feels no duty to any father but one, and she adds that she has already promised to marry a workingman. This closes the issue for Godfrey, who hurries away, followed by his wife.
