Wilson visits the Carson's

 In Gaskell's depiction of the Davenport's illness and need for charity, she explores the contrast between the relationships of employers and employees. Gaskell presents this through Mr. Carson, Davenport's employer, claiming he is unable to help them. 

Wilson’s visit to the Carson’s.

p.63

‘Mr Carson’s was a good house, and furnished with disregard to expense. But, in addition to lavish expenditure, there was much taste shown, and many articles chosen for their beauty and elegance adorned his rooms…. So he was ushered into a kitchen hung round with glittering tins, where a roaring fire burnt merrily, and where numbers of utensils hung round, at whose nature and use Wilson amused himself by guessing… The cook broiled steaks, and the kitchen-maid toasted bread and boiled eggs. The coffee steamed upon the fire, and altogether the odours were so mixed and appetising that Wilson began to yearn for food to break his fast, which had lasted since dinner the day before.’

p.66

‘Please, sir, Davenport’s ill of the fever, and I’m come to know if you’ve got an Infirmary order for him?

Davenport – Davenport; who is the fellow? I don’t know the name.

He’s worked in your factory better nor three years, sir.

Very likely; I don’t pretend to know the names of the men I employ; that I leave to the over-looker. So he’s ill, eh?

Ay, sir, he’s very bad; we want to get him in at the Fever Wards.

I doubt if I’ve an in-patient’s order to spare at present; but I’ll give you an out-patient’s and welcome.’

‘Wilson left the house, not knowing whether to be pleased or grieved. They had all spoken kindly to him, and who could tell if they might not enquire into Davenport’s case, and do something for him and his family.’