Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
From Baden to Lucerne explained
The Palliser party, including Alice Vavasor, settles in Lucerne after leaving Baden.
What happens
The Palliser party, including Alice Vavasor, settles in Lucerne after leaving Baden. The quarrel over Lady Glencora's gambling is resolved without open apology, and Alice decides to stay. Mr. Palliser is returned for Silverbridge. Alice receives a letter from Kate Vavasor, who writes of Mrs. Greenow's wedding preparations and her own desolation after the Squire's death. Alice reflects on her past love for John Grey and her stubborn independence.
Themes in this chapter
Duty vs. Desire
Alice struggles between her duty to stay with Lady Glencora and her desire to leave after the quarrel; Lady Glencora contrasts her own romantic desires with her duty to her husband.
Female Autonomy and Identity
Alice asserts her independence, declaring she can live alone; Kate writes of her desolation and lack of ties; both women grapple with their roles and choices.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Kate mentions that Alice's money is temporarily gone; Mrs. Greenow's financial control over Captain Bellfield is discussed.
Characters to notice
- Alice Vavasor
Remains with the Pallisers in Lucerne after the Baden quarrel; receives a letter from Kate; reflects on her love for John Grey and her decision to live alone.
- Lady Glencora Palliser
Persuades Alice to stay; discusses the Baden incident; contrasts her own romantic nature with Alice's; receives news of Mr. Palliser's election.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Makes a silent apology to Alice; reads election news; is returned for Silverbridge.
- Kate Vavasor
Writes to Alice from London about Mrs. Greenow's wedding, the Squire's death, and her own desolation.
- Mrs. Greenow
Mentioned in Kate's letter as buying wedding clothes and planning to marry Captain Bellfield.
- John Grey
Referenced in Alice's thoughts as the man she loved and rejected; Lady Glencora hopes for a reconciliation.
Key passages
“Alice Vavasor was still with them; and the reader will therefore understand that that quarrel about Lady Glencora's wickedness had been settled without any rupture.”
Alice remained with the Pallisers, indicating that the dispute over Lady Glencora's behavior had been resolved peacefully.
The quarrel from Baden is resolved without a formal break.
“She had been weak, foolish, irresolute—and had finally acted with false judgement. So much she now admitted to herself. But she would not admit that any other woman had persuaded her to such weakness.”
Alice acknowledged her own poor decisions but refused to blame Kate for influencing her.
Alice's self-reflection on her past choices regarding John Grey.
“I am inclined to think that I can live alone, or perhaps with my cousin Kate, more happily than I could with any husband.”
Alice believes she would be happier living independently or with Kate than married.
Alice expresses her desire for autonomy.