One if the nicest things in DS is Barnabas's teaching Ben to read and better himself, leading eventually to a descendant of Ben's becoming a brilliant college professor. DS does have a point of view, and statements about the world, and the way it should be. In this case, no one's inferior, and unable to learn and improve. You aren't worthless just because society puts you into some class or group.
Ben must watch helplessly as Jeremiah downs yet another fateful toddy.
Despite my not being very likely to laugh these day, I would have, f I'd heard the word "toddy" in that scene just one more time....
If there’s no other reason for marrying Josette, it’s because you are her aunt, Barnabas tells her gallantly.
I swear, Barnabas seemed to be inordinately pleased with himself and his powers of smarminess, right after delivering that remark!
Is this our very first look at the famous gazebo set? If so, welcome!
Is it a gazebo? It seems to be some sort of decorative brick meeting place, without that gazebo dome or the rest of any circular structure behind what we see.