in describing Silas, Warren and Mary describe themselves. We see a basically good man whose spirit has been toughened by a hard life. Warren,we learn,would have liked to pay Silas a fixed wage but simply couldn't afford to. Life has taught Warren to be practical and to rein in his emotions. In contrast,we see a nurturing woman,alert to human feelings, who could never refuse to care for a lonely, dying man.Warren and Mary are both decent people. this is the reason why,as Mary instinctively feels,Silas chooses their home for his final refuge.