“It is want that does the world's arousing, and if it were not for that, who knows what might not be interrupted?”
Desire is a common motif in the novel observed in most of the characters in regard to romance or their vocations. Jamie prides himself as a thief who steals with subtlety as opposed to how all the other bandits do it. He assumes the alter ego, The Bandit of the Woods, to do his bidding in both his criminal activities and pursuing intimacy. Rosamund, on the other hand, yearns for a chivalry and romantic lover which she finds in Jamie’s alter ego. Thus, Clement’s assertion alludes to the longings they harbor, on his part, he still longs for his first wife which makes his second wife extremely jealous. The statement is his justification for his inclinations towards his desires.
“And now tell me what thing of mine you will accept, for you saved my life.”
The statement initiates the chain of events that makes up the plot of the narrative. In that, the introduction of Jamie in the lives of Clement’s family brings upon the ensuing conflict in the story. Jamie tips off Clement that there is a plan to murder him therefore he offers to give what Jamie desires to even it out. Thus, the request transitions into him offering his daughter as a potential suitor to Jamie in order to show his gratitude.
