Cousin Henry · Chapter
Preparing for the Funeral explained
In the days following Squire Indefer Jones's death, Isabel Brodrick assumes the role of mistress of Llanfeare until after the funeral, keeping the keys despite Cousin Henry's servile request.
What happens
In the days following Squire Indefer Jones's death, Isabel Brodrick assumes the role of mistress of Llanfeare until after the funeral, keeping the keys despite Cousin Henry's servile request. She wrestles with her uncle's dying words—'It is all right. It is done'—which she suspects refer to a later will in her favor, yet she resolves to remain silent unless evidence emerges. Her dislike for Cousin Henry grows, and she learns from the housekeeper that a new will may have been executed after her departure. Cousin Henry isolates himself in the book-room, growing pale and wan. On the funeral morning, Isabel informs him of the day's proceedings, including the reading of the will before tenants, and announces her plan to return to Hereford on Wednesday.
Themes in this chapter
Duty vs. Conscience
Isabel feels a heavy duty to manage Llanfeare and honor her uncle's wishes, yet her conscience is troubled by his dying words and her growing suspicion that Cousin Henry is not the rightful heir.
Guilt and Conscience
Cousin Henry's pallor, seclusion, and servile behavior suggest a guilty conscience, while Isabel's internal struggle over whether to reveal her uncle's words reflects her own moral scruples.
Inheritance and Primogeniture
The central conflict revolves around the inheritance of Llanfeare, with the missing later will and the question of whether Cousin Henry or Isabel is the true heir.
Characters to notice
- Isabel Brodrick
Keeps the keys and acts as mistress until after the funeral; reflects on her uncle's dying words and resolves to keep them private; plans to return to Hereford on Wednesday.
- Cousin Henry
Appears awestruck and servile, cringingly complies with Isabel's authority; isolates himself in the book-room, growing pale and wan; shows visible agitation when Isabel lists the tenants who will attend the will reading.
- Dr. Powell
Advises Isabel to keep the keys until after the will is read; instructs her on funeral arrangements and recommends Mr. Apjohn for the will reading.
- Mr. Apjohn
The lawyer who will read the will after the funeral; had a recent disagreement with the Squire over the altered will in favor of Cousin Henry.
- Squire Indefer Jones
Deceased; his dying words 'It is all right. It is done' are recalled by Isabel, suggesting a possible later will in her favor.
Key passages
“If no later will was there, the words were empty breath.”
Without a valid later will, her uncle's dying words have no legal force.
Isabel reflects on the legal irrelevance of her uncle's final statement.
“She did not believe in his civility; she did not think he was kind to her in heart, and she could not bring herself to make her manner false to her feelings.”
Isabel distrusts Cousin Henry's politeness and refuses to pretend she likes him.
Isabel's growing dislike for Cousin Henry is evident in her refusal to feign cordiality.
“It was reported about the place that the Squire had certainly executed another will a few days after Isabel had left Llanfeare.”
Rumors circulate that the Squire made a new will shortly after Isabel's departure.
The housekeeper informs Isabel of local gossip about a possible later will.
“His face was almost sepulchral as he answered her, and as she looked at him she perceived that a slight quiver came upon his lips as she pronounced with peculiar clearness the two last names on the list.”
Cousin Henry's face looked deathly, and his lips trembled when Isabel clearly named the two Cantors among the tenants.
Cousin Henry's physical reaction suggests fear or guilt upon hearing the names of the witnesses.
