Greene Ferne Farm · Chapter
Evening explained
Geoffrey Newton, searching for Margaret Estcourt, becomes lost on the Downs at dusk.
What happens
Geoffrey Newton, searching for Margaret Estcourt, becomes lost on the Downs at dusk. After a confusing encounter with a shepherd boy, he follows a wagon track into Akkern Chace, where he waits. Margaret arrives singing, but is embarrassed and angry at being surprised; she rides off, and Geoffrey chases her on foot across the hills, eventually losing her in the mist. They reunite on a ridge, both lost and uncertain how to proceed.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Pastoral Ideal
The chapter richly describes the summer twilight, the fragrance of firs, the behavior of a hare and squirrel, and the vast, trackless Downs.
Love and Romance
Geoffrey's anxious pursuit of Margaret, her embarrassment at being caught singing a love ballad, and their tense reunion highlight romantic tension.
Characters to notice
- Geoffrey Newton
Rides out to meet Margaret, becomes lost, waits in the wood, then chases her on foot after she rides away in anger.
- Margaret Estcourt
Rides home singing, is surprised by Geoffrey, reacts with hauteur and rides off, later is found lost on the Downs.
- Old Andrew Fisher
Mentioned as the owner of Warren, the destination Geoffrey seeks.
Key passages
“The rough trail was lost—the hoof marks cut in the winter when the earth was soft were filled up by the swelling turf, and covered over with thyme.”
The path had disappeared because winter hoof prints had been erased by spring grass and thyme.
Shows how the landscape changes with seasons, contributing to Geoffrey's disorientation.
“He felt as though he had caught her and discovered her secret. She instantly took refuge in hauteur.”
Margaret was embarrassed that Geoffrey had overheard her singing, so she acted cold and proud.
Reveals Margaret's vulnerability and pride in their romantic dynamic.