Conclusion explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Justice and Injustice

  The chapter celebrates the triumph of justice as Isabel is restored to her rightful inheritance, and the injustice of Cousin Henry's tenure is overturned.

• Inheritance and Primogeniture

  Mr. Apjohn discusses the importance of entail and the spirit of male heir custom, emphasizing the need to preserve family and land together.

• Class and Social Hierarchy

  The servants and tenants express relief at serving Isabel rather than Cousin Henry, highlighting their sense of social order and loyalty.

Characters to notice

• Isabel Brodrick

  Returns to Llanfeare as the acknowledged heiress, receives homage from tenants and servants, and prepares for her marriage.

• Mr. Apjohn

  Escorts Isabel to Llanfeare, delivers a sermon on the spirit of inheritance, and expresses his joy at the restoration of justice.

• Mr. Griffith

  Old farmer at Coed who welcomes Isabel and expresses relief that the rightful heir has returned.

• Mrs. Griffith

  Housekeeper at Llanfeare who sobs with joy at Isabel's return, having despaired under Cousin Henry.

• Cousin Henry

  Mentioned as the disgraced former heir, now gone from Llanfeare; servants refused to serve him.

• Squire Indefer Jones

  Deceased uncle whose mistaken will caused turmoil; remembered as kind but misguided.

Key passages

• “That justice has been done, and that everyone has his own again. I own to all the litigious pugnacity of a lawyer. I live by such fighting, and I like it. But a case in which I do not believe crushes me. To have an injustice to get the better of, and then to trample it well under foot—that is the triumph that I desire.”

  Mr. Apjohn expresses his professional satisfaction in seeing justice prevail, especially after the injustice of the false will.

  Mr. Apjohn's speech reflects the theme of justice and his personal investment in the case.

• “If you will take my advice you will entail the property. You, no doubt, will have children, and will take care that in due course it shall go to the eldest boy. There can be no doubt as to the wisdom of that. But you see what terrible misery may be occasioned by not allowing those who are to come after you to know what it is they are to expect.”

  Mr. Apjohn advises Isabel to entail the estate to her eldest son to avoid future disputes.

  This advice underscores the theme of inheritance and primogeniture.

• “I know’d it,” said young Cantor, clenching his fist almost in her face. “I was that sure of it I couldn’t hardly hold myself. To think of his leaving it in a book of sermons!”

  Young Cantor expresses his certainty that the will would be found, amazed it was hidden in a book of sermons.

  Reflects the local belief in Isabel's rightful claim and the dramatic discovery of the will.