Giorgio's "honour" is a repeating motif in this chapter, with allegorical overtones relating to his "house" of Republican Liberty. Ramirez is a threat to that "house" because he represents the false People who slavishly follow the rulers of oppressive society. Nostromo, however, would be equally unwelcome in Giorgio's "house" if revealed, because he represents the thieving People who are out to undermine it.