Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
Mrs. Greenow's Little Dinner in the Close explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Greenow hosts a dinner for Mr. Cheesacre and Captain Bellfield, both of whom are vying for her affections. Cheesacre grows jealous of Bellfield's military rank and perceived favor from the widow. After dinner, Cheesacre attempts to propose but is rebuffed for his crude language, though Mrs. Greenow forgives him. Later, Cheesacre discovers Bellfield has retrieved his luggage from Oileymead, undermining Cheesacre's attempts to outshine him.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Cheesacre's wealth and Bellfield's poverty are central to their rivalry; Cheesacre uses Bellfield's debts to undermine him.
Love and Marriage
Both men court Mrs. Greenow for her fortune, treating marriage as a financial transaction.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Greenow
Hosts the dinner, skillfully balancing attention between Cheesacre and Bellfield, rebuffs Cheesacre's proposal but forgives him.
- Mr. Cheesacre
Jealous of Bellfield, attempts to propose to Mrs. Greenow but is rebuked for his language; later discovers Bellfield retrieved his luggage.
- Captain Bellfield
Rival suitor to Cheesacre, takes Mrs. Greenow down to dinner, retrieves his luggage from Oileymead despite Cheesacre's plans.
- Charlie Fairstairs
Dinner guest, defends Bellfield's military rank against Cheesacre's complaints.
- Jeannette
Mrs. Greenow's maid, waits at table during the dinner.
Key passages
“I pay my way, and that ought to give a man higher station than being a beggarly captain—which I don't believe he is, if all the truth was known.”
Cheesacre argues that his financial independence should grant him higher social status than Bellfield's dubious military rank.
Cheesacre's resentment of Bellfield's perceived social advantage despite his poverty.
“If it should ever come to pass that you are making love to a lady in earnest—talk to her a little more about your passion and a little less about your purse.”
Mrs. Greenow advises Cheesacre to focus on romantic feelings rather than money when courting.
Mrs. Greenow's rebuke highlights the tension between genuine affection and financial motives in courtship.