Summary

Angry, Tulkinghorn says that he wants nothing to do with the man who harbored Gridley, a “threatening, murderous, dangerous fellow.” A clerk, passing by, hears this phrase and mistakenly supposes it applies to George himself.

Analysis

Readers are inclined to view George Rouncewell even more favorably now that he mistrusts and opposes the sinister Tulkinghorn and is a warm friend of the likable Bagnet family. Readers also sense that George’s opposing the lawyer entails danger.