Basil · Chapter
Letter II explained
Mary Penhale writes to her husband William about delivering a doctor's letter to the family of a sick young gentleman in Cornwall.
What happens
Mary Penhale writes to her husband William about delivering a doctor's letter to the family of a sick young gentleman in Cornwall. She visits the grand London house, meets the young lady (Clara) and her brother, and they plan to travel to Cornwall to bring the invalid home. Mary also conveys messages from Susan and describes her emotional encounter with Clara, who is deeply affected by the news.
Themes in this chapter
Family Duty and Estrangement
Clara's immediate concern for her brother's health and the family's plan to bring him home highlight familial duty and the desire to reunite.
Innocence and Experience
Mary's simple, emotional reaction contrasts with Clara's delicate, sheltered upbringing, yet both share a moment of human connection.
Characters to notice
- Mary Penhale
Narrates the letter, delivers the doctor's letter to the family, and comforts Clara.
- Clara
The young lady at the grand house, sister of the sick gentleman; initially pale and sad, then overcome with emotion upon hearing the news.
- Susan
Mary's daughter, mentioned as sending kisses and doing well with her mistress.
- William Penhale
Mary's husband, recipient of the letter.
Key passages
“She said it with such a voice and such a look, that, like a great fool, I burst out crying, instead of answering as I ought.”
Her kind tone and expression moved me so much that I started crying, forgetting to respond properly.
Mary's emotional reaction to Clara's gentle manner.
“I took and kissed her, (not remembering a bit about its being a born lady and a stranger that I was kissing);”
I kissed her without thinking about the social difference between us or that she was a stranger.
Mary's instinctive comfort transcends class boundaries.