A Pair of Blue Eyes · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Stephen Smith arrives at Endelstow Vicarage in the evening, having traveled from the railway terminus by dogcart.
What happens
Stephen Smith arrives at Endelstow Vicarage in the evening, having traveled from the railway terminus by dogcart. He is met by Elfride Swancourt, who is surprised to find him young and handsome rather than the elderly, business-like man she had imagined. Mr. Swancourt is unwell and unable to receive him immediately. The chapter includes letters arranging the visit and a conversation between Stephen and the driver about the history of Lord Luxellian's family.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
The driver's story about Hedger Luxellian rising from a hedger to a lord highlights themes of social mobility and class distinction.
Innocence and Experience
Elfride's surprise at Stephen's youthful appearance contrasts her imagined worldly businessman with his innocent looks.
Characters to notice
- Stephen Smith
Arrives at Endelstow Vicarage; described as youthful, with a fine complexion and boyish manner.
- Elfride Swancourt
Greets Stephen with surprise and relief, finding him different from her expectations.
- Mr. Swancourt
Indisposed and unable to receive Stephen immediately; later asks to speak with him.
- William Worm
Servant who shows Stephen in through the back door; speaks in a rustic dialect.
- Robert Lickpan
Driver of the dogcart; provides local gossip and history about Lord Luxellian's family.
- Lord Luxellian
Mentioned as the patron of the living; his mansion is seen in the distance.
Key passages
“Her start of amazement at the sight of the visitor coming forth from under the stairs proved that she had not been expecting this surprising flank movement, which had been originated entirely by the ingenuity of William Worm.”
Elfride was astonished to see Stephen emerge from the back stairs, a route devised by William Worm.
Highlights the unexpected nature of their first meeting.
“His complexion was as fine as Elfride’s own; the pink of his cheeks as delicate. His mouth as perfect as Cupid’s bow in form, and as cherry-red in colour as hers.”
Stephen's skin and lips were as delicate and rosy as Elfride's, emphasizing his youthful and almost feminine appearance.
Emphasizes Stephen's youthful beauty and the contrast with Elfride's expectations.