# A Visit from the Counsellor explained — Lorna Doone

> Chapter companion for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

John Ridd returns home to learn that the Counsellor Doone has come to visit. The Counsellor reveals to Lorna and John that Lorna's father killed John's father and John's father killed Lorna's father, a mutual slaying. Despite this revelation, the Counsellor gives his consent to their marriage, though his motives are suspect.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Lorna and John's love is tested by the revelation of their fathers' mutual killings, yet they remain committed to each other.

### Family and Loyalty

The Counsellor's visit brings to light the violent history between the Ridd and Doone families, challenging the loyalty of John and Lorna to their respective families.

### Honor and Reputation

John's honesty is contrasted with the Doones' reputation for theft and violence, as highlighted by the Counsellor's comments about John's inability to steal.

## Character check-ins

### John Ridd

Returns home to find the Counsellor visiting; confronts the Counsellor about the revelation of mutual killings between their fathers.

### Lorna Doone

Present during the Counsellor's visit; learns that her father killed John's father and vice versa; remains loyal to John.

### Annie Ridd

Mentioned as being with Lorna, comforting her before the meeting with the Counsellor.

### Counsellor Doone

Visits the Ridd household; reveals the mutual killing of John's and Lorna's fathers; gives his consent to their marriage.

### Mistress Ridd

Hosts the Counsellor; listens to his harangue and later gives her approval to the marriage.

### Eliza

Warns John about the Counsellor's visit; teases him about Lorna.

## Key lines

> Your father slew dear John's father, and dear John's father slew yours.

The Counsellor reveals that Lorna's father killed John's father and John's father killed Lorna's father.

_This revelation is the central conflict of the chapter, testing John and Lorna's relationship._

> I give my full and ready consent to her marriage with your son, madam.

The Counsellor gives his consent to John and Lorna's marriage.

_Despite the grim revelation, the Counsellor surprisingly approves the union, though his motives are questionable._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/li-a-visit-from-the-counsellor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters