Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
In Which Come Tidings of Great Moment to All Pallisers explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Grey reveals to Mr. Palliser the full story of George Vavasor's attack on him in London, leading to a discussion of public life and character. The Pallisers and their party continue their stay in Lucerne, where Mr. Palliser becomes overly protective of Lady Glencora after learning she is pregnant. The Duke of Omnium responds to the news, and Mr. Palliser's demeanor shifts from anxiety to triumphant anticipation of an heir. Lady Glencora confides in Alice about her husband's coddling, and Mr. Palliser, now calling Alice by her first name, asks her to attend to his wife.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Public Life
Grey and Palliser debate the merits and demerits of public life, with Grey asserting that public men should be rich to avoid the fate of George Vavasor.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Discussion of George Vavasor's financial ruin and the importance of wealth for public men; Palliser's anxiety over inheritance and property.
Duty vs. Desire
Lady Glencora's desire for freedom clashes with Palliser's overprotective duty; Palliser's duty to his lineage overshadows his personal desires.
Betrayal and Forgiveness
Palliser forgives Glencora's past indiscretions (Burgo Fitzgerald) in light of the pregnancy, and Grey forgives Alice's past attachment to George.
Characters to notice
- John Grey
Tells Mr. Palliser the story of George Vavasor's attack and discusses public life.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Learns of the attack on Grey, becomes overprotective of Glencora upon news of her pregnancy, and anticipates an heir.
- Lady Glencora Palliser
Confides in Alice about her husband's coddling; is pregnant, causing a shift in household dynamics.
- Alice Vavasor
Receives news of George's departure, is called 'Alice' by Mr. Palliser, and is asked to attend to Lady Glencora.
- George Vavasor
Discussed as having attacked Grey and fled to America; considered a miscreant by Palliser.
- Duke of Omnium
Sends a brief reply to the news of the pregnancy, offering to be a godfather.
Key passages
“And he tried to murder you!”
Palliser expresses shock that George Vavasor attempted to kill Grey.
Palliser's reaction to Grey's story of the attack.
“The end of it all is, that public men in England should be rich like you, and not poor like that miserable wretch.”
Grey concludes that financial security is essential for a successful public life.
Grey's argument about the necessity of wealth for politicians.
“Upon my word, Alice, I think this will kill me.”
Lady Glencora complains that Palliser's overprotectiveness is unbearable.
Glencora's frustration with her husband's constant supervision.
“If it's a boy, of course I will be one of the godfathers.”
The Duke of Omnium offers to be a godfather if the child is male.
The Duke's brief and formal response to the pregnancy news.
