Lorna Doone · Chapter
LII: The Way to Make the Cream Rise explained
The Counsellor Doone visits the Ridd farm and uses a trick involving Lorna's necklace to deceive Annie into thinking he is performing a charm to make cream rise.
What happens
The Counsellor Doone visits the Ridd farm and uses a trick involving Lorna's necklace to deceive Annie into thinking he is performing a charm to make cream rise. He steals the necklace, causing great distress. Meanwhile, Jeremy Stickles returns with plans for an attack on the Doones, and John worries about the loss of the valuable jewels.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Loyalty
John's concern for his family's ancestral land and his mother's welfare highlights the theme of family loyalty and the threat of losing their heritage.
Honor and Reputation
The Counsellor's deceptive behavior and the theft of the necklace threaten the Ridd family's honor and financial stability.
Love and Sacrifice
Lorna's trust in John with her necklace and Annie's innocent involvement in the trick reflect the sacrifices made for love and family.
Characters to notice
- Annie Ridd
Annie is tricked by the Counsellor into using Lorna's necklace in a supposed cream-charming ritual, leading to its loss.
- Counsellor Doone
The Counsellor manipulates Annie into handing over Lorna's necklace, then steals it under the guise of a charm.
- Lorna Doone
Lorna's necklace is taken by the Counsellor; she had previously taken it from John for safekeeping.
- John Ridd
John is concerned about the loss of the necklace and its implications for his family's land and livelihood.
- Jeremy Stickles
Jeremy returns with plans for the attack on the Doones and warns John about the serious consequences of losing the jewels.
- Mistress Ridd
Mother Ridd is briefly mentioned as being impressed by the Counsellor's courtesy after his visit.
Key passages
“Hurt it! cried the Counsellor: nay, we shall do it good, my dear. It will help to raise the cream: and you may take my word for it, young maiden, none can do good in this world, without in turn receiving it.”
The Counsellor reassures Annie that passing the necklace over the cream will improve it, claiming that good deeds are always rewarded.
This is a manipulative statement used to trick Annie into handing over the necklace.
“My son, this is very heavy. It will go ill with all of you to make good this loss, as I fear that you will have to do.”
Jeremy Stickles warns John that the loss of the valuable necklace could have severe financial consequences for the family.
Jeremy's concern underscores the gravity of the theft and its potential to ruin the Ridd family.