Silas Marner Chapter 20

Godfrey and Nancy agree that it would be useless to try to separate Eppie from Silas, for as Nancy says, "It wouldn't be right to want to force her to come to us against her will. We can't alter her bringing up and what's come of it." Chapter 20, pg. 209. Godfrey decides that there is no reason that they should let the truth of Eppie's paternity be known to Raveloe. However, he ponders putting it in his will, and he guesses correctly that it is Aaron Winthrop whom Eppie means to marry. Godfrey knows that Eppie dislikes him now, but he believes that it is his punishment for deserting her. He tells Nancy that she is one of the best things in his life.