This chapter introduces the formidable Lord Justice-Clerk, Adam Weir, and his delicate wife, Jean Rutherford, the last descendant of the wild “riding Rutherfords of Hermiston.” Their union appears mismatched; his demanding nature clashes with her meek fragility. Jean, known for her piety and tenderness, struggles with her role as the judge’s wife, failing to meet his domestic expectations and suffering under his harsh comments. Despite her devotion and attempts at expressing love, including a poignant moment crafting slippers for him, she feels inadequate.

Their son, Archie, grows in a household torn between his mother’s religious zeal and his father’s worldly pragmatism. Observing his father’s stern demeanor and reputation as “The Hanging Judge,” Archie begins to question the morality of his profession, aligning it with sinfulness. This internal conflict between justice and compassion forms the crux of Archie’s upbringing, leading to poignant discussions with his mother about righteousness, obedience, and the nature of judgment. Jean’s attempts to navigate these conversations reveal her inner turmoil and doubts about her husband’s spiritual disposition.

The narrative also spotlights Kirstie Elliott, a loyal but fiery housekeeper whose devotion to Jean contrasts sharply with her disdain for Lord Hermiston. Towards the chapter’s end, Jean’s health declines, marked by aimless wanderings and a troubling conversation with Kirstie, hinting at her deep-seated fears for her husband’s soul. Her sudden death, narrated with a chilling simplicity, leaves a void in the Hermiston household and sets the stage for the unfolding drama between Adam Weir and his son, Archie.

The chapter deftly explores themes of duty, piety, moral judgment, and the complexities of familial relationships within the rigid structures of Scottish society.