The language calls deliberate attention to the multiple meanings of "treasure," equating Monygham's secret love for Mrs Gould with Nostromo's secret hoard of silver. Note the parallel between the workers' "outwardly unmarked" changes and Monygham's "unchanged expression," as both pursue treasure. We can begin to glimpse the connection that Conrad is drawing in this section between politics and love. In this case, both passions have been driven into secrecy by the demands of the materialist society.

On another level, Monygham's "unchanged expression" indicates his continuing cynicism, on which his love is "fed."

The phrase "inexhaustible treasure" echoes Antonia's key line regarding character , reminding us again that character, and love, is mankind's true treasure.