Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
How Lady Glencora Came Back from Lady Monk's Party explained
At Lady Monk's party, Burgo Fitzgerald, having received money from his aunt to pursue Lady Glencora, wrestles with his conscience about the consequences of an elopement.
What happens
At Lady Monk's party, Burgo Fitzgerald, having received money from his aunt to pursue Lady Glencora, wrestles with his conscience about the consequences of an elopement. He finds Lady Glencora dancing with Lord Hartletop and then waltzes with her himself, stirring memories of their past. As they dance, Burgo presses her about his letter and their old feelings, while Mrs. Marsham and Mr. Bott watch in alarm. Mrs. Marsham leaves to find Mr. Palliser, fearing the worst. Lady Glencora is torn between her lingering feelings for Burgo and her sense of duty.
Themes in this chapter
Duty vs. Desire
Lady Glencora is torn between her duty as Mr. Palliser's wife and her lingering desire for Burgo Fitzgerald, as seen in her internal conflict during the waltz.
Betrayal and Forgiveness
The chapter explores the potential betrayal of her marriage vows, with Burgo actively plotting an elopement and Mrs. Marsham and Mr. Bott acting to prevent it.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Burgo's motivation is partly driven by Lady Glencora's fortune, and he feels bound by the two hundred pounds from his aunt to proceed with his plan.
Characters to notice
- Burgo Fitzgerald
Leans against the wall in solemn thought about the morality of his plan, then dances with Lady Glencora and presses her about his letter.
- Lady Glencora Palliser
Dances with Lord Hartletop and then with Burgo, feeling torn between her past love and her present duty, while carrying Burgo's letter.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Absent from the party; Mrs. Marsham goes to find him to report on his wife's behavior.
- Mrs. Marsham
Acts as duenna, watches Lady Glencora with alarm, and leaves to inform Mr. Palliser of the situation.
- Mr. Bott
Observes the waltzing couple with horror and advises Mrs. Marsham to fetch Mr. Palliser.
- Lady Monk
Smiles at Burgo's apparent reform, unaware of his true intentions, and watches the dancing from the doorway.
Key passages
“Burgo Fitzgerald remained for a minute or two leaning where we last saw him—against the dining-room wall at the bottom of the staircase; and as he did so some thoughts that were almost solemn passed across his mind.”
Burgo stood alone by the staircase, briefly reflecting seriously on what he was about to do.
Highlights Burgo's rare moment of moral introspection before pursuing Lady Glencora.
“It has often been said of woman that she who doubts is lost—so often that they who say it now, say it simply because others have said it before them, never thinking whether or no there be any truth in the proverb.”
The common saying that a woman who hesitates is doomed is often repeated without thought, but it overlooks the fact that many women resolve their doubts correctly.
The narrator challenges the proverb, suggesting Lady Glencora's doubt does not necessarily mean she will fall.