Lorna Doone · Chapter
LXVII: Lorna Still Is Lorna explained
John Ridd visits Lorna Doone in Kensington after a year of separation caused by intercepted letters.
What happens
John Ridd visits Lorna Doone in Kensington after a year of separation caused by intercepted letters. They reunite joyfully, clear up misunderstandings, and discuss their future together despite social obstacles. Lorna affirms her love and commitment to John, dismissing concerns of rank and wealth.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Lorna and John overcome a year of separation and social barriers, reaffirming their commitment to each other.
Social Class and Inequality
Lorna argues that worldly position is the only obstacle between them, and she dismisses its importance in favor of love.
Honor and Reputation
John insists on propriety and consulting Lorna's guardian, while Lorna values honesty and integrity in their relationship.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Visits Lorna in Kensington, confronts the misunderstanding about the letters, and reaffirms his love.
- Lorna Doone
Reunites with John, reveals Gwenny's interception of letters, and declares her intention to marry him despite social differences.
- Gwenny Carfax
Revealed as the one who kept Lorna's letters from being sent to John; confronts her dishonesty.
- Ruth Huckaback
Mentioned by Lorna as a worthy maid who supported John's trust in Lorna.
- Annie Ridd
Mentioned as one who kept faith in Lorna.
- Earl Brandir
Lorna's guardian, mentioned as being at home when John first arrives.
Key passages
“Simply for this cause, I answered, that my old friend and true love, took not the smallest heed of me. Nor knew I where to find her.”
John explains that he thought Lorna had forgotten him because he never received any word from her.
Clears up the misunderstanding caused by Gwenny's interception of letters.
“Then Ruth is my best friend, she answered, and is worthy of you, dear John. And now remember one thing, dear; if God should part us, as may be by nothing short of death, try to marry that little Ruth, when you cease to remember me.”
Lorna praises Ruth and suggests John marry her if they are ever separated by death.
Shows Lorna's selflessness and high regard for Ruth.
“Now, you see, I have proved my point; there is nothing between us but worldly position—if you can defend me against the Doones, for which, I trow, I may trust you.”
Lorna argues that only social status stands between them, and she trusts John to protect her from the Doones.
Highlights the theme of social class and Lorna's determination to marry John.