In a sense, this is gratuitous poetic justice, for his childlessness does not rise from the error he is being punished for. Godfrey views his childlessness as punishment. Godfrey realizes at last that he has turned away a blessing, that while he wanted to "pass for childless" once, he must ironically be childless now. The attempt to reclaim his daughter is Godfrey's last test, the one that brings him a realization of the nature of human contacts - "there's debts we can't pay like money debts." The contrast between Eppie and the gold is continued in that statement, and a moment later the image of Eppie as a blessing is renewed. But in spite of his disappointments, some good has come of the matter: he knows now how lucky he is to have Nancy as his wife. He realizes that Eppie has taken a dislike to him, but he considers that part of his punishment. He guesses that it is Aaron she means to marry, and he decides to help her in any way he can. Godfrey thinks, however, that he will put it in his will. Nancy, thinking of Priscilla and her father, agrees. He decides that there is no reason now to let it be known that Eppie is his daughter. Godfrey sees that there are debts that cannot be put off and paid later.
At home, Godfrey and Nancy agree that they cannot now alter their daughter's upbringing.
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