Chapter 27 Summary

As the chapter begins, we see Farfrae shrewdly buying all the corn he can at the low prices caused by the year's bumper crop. The reader learns that a change in the weather makes the corn very valuable, and that Michael could have made a fortune if he had held on to his supply for a few more days. Farfrae's prosperity makes Michael believe he will soon become mayor.

Michael's hatred of Farfrae becomes even more intense, and his bitter attitude starts to infect his employees. A wagon crash outside of High-Place Hall sets employees of Farfrae and Michael fighting, which Lucetta and Elizabeth-Jane witness. Michael arrives and the two women assure him that his driver was the cause of the accident. Michael admonishes his man, but Lucetta and Elizabeth-Jane slip inside and refuse to admit him. He hides outside, and catches Lucetta...