Lorna Doone · Chapter
Jeremy in Danger explained
John Ridd recounts domestic scenes at Plover's Barrows, including Tom Faggus examining Lorna's valuable diamond necklace and Lorna's generous offer to give it to Mistress Ridd.
What happens
John Ridd recounts domestic scenes at Plover's Barrows, including Tom Faggus examining Lorna's valuable diamond necklace and Lorna's generous offer to give it to Mistress Ridd. John reflects on a book he acquired in London, which he credits for his literary style. Jeremy Stickles returns, having narrowly escaped an attack by three Doones at Landacre Bridge, and tells his story.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Loyalty
Lorna's offer of her valuable necklace to Mistress Ridd demonstrates her loyalty and gratitude toward John's family.
Love and Sacrifice
Lorna's selfless gesture of giving away her precious heirloom reflects her love and desire to honor John's mother.
Justice and Revenge
Jeremy Stickles' attack by the Doones underscores the ongoing conflict and the need for justice against the outlaw clan.
Characters to notice
- John Ridd
Narrator; reflects on his London journey and the book he found; helps care for Jeremy's horse.
- Lorna Doone
Shows her diamond necklace to Tom Faggus; offers it to Mistress Ridd as a gift, demonstrating her generosity.
- Tom Faggus
Examines Lorna's necklace and appraises it at a hundred thousand pounds; later departs, causing Annie to cry.
- Annie Ridd
Defends Tom Faggus to her mother; cries upon his departure; offers to cook for Jeremy Stickles.
- Jeremy Stickles
Returns to Plover's Barrows after being chased by three Doones; recounts his escape at Landacre Bridge.
- Mistress Ridd
Reconciles with Tom Faggus after Annie's persuasion; fetches Lorna to examine the necklace.
Key passages
“My darling came in, with a very quick glance and smile at my cigarro (for I was having the third by this time, to keep things in amity); and I waved it towards her, as much as to say, "you see that I can do it."”
Lorna entered and smiled at John as he smoked his cigar, and he gestured to show he was managing it.
Shows John's pride in smoking and Lorna's playful acknowledgment.
“On the shapely curve of her neck it hung, like dewdrops upon a white hyacinth; and I was vexed that Tom should have the chance to see it there.”
The necklace rested beautifully on Lorna's neck, and John felt jealous that Tom Faggus got to admire it.
Highlights John's possessiveness and admiration for Lorna.
“There are twenty-five rose diamonds in it, and twenty-five large brilliants that cannot be matched in London. How say you, Mistress Lorna, to a hundred thousand pounds?”
Tom Faggus appraised the necklace as containing fifty high-quality diamonds worth a hundred thousand pounds.
Reveals the immense value of Lorna's heirloom.
“Dear kind mother, I am so glad, ... now you will have it, won't you, dear? And I shall be so happy; for a thousandth part of your kindness to me no jewels in the world can match.”
Lorna offered the necklace to Mistress Ridd, saying no jewel could equal the kindness she had received.
Demonstrates Lorna's generosity and gratitude.
“Scarcely was Tom clean out of sight, and Annie's tears not dry yet (for she always made a point of crying upon his departure), when in came Master Jeremy Stickles, splashed with mud from head to foot, and not in the very best of humours, though happy to get back again.”
Just after Tom left and Annie finished crying, Jeremy Stickles arrived muddy and tired but glad to be back.
Introduces Jeremy's return and sets up his story of danger.
“All the way from Landacre Bridge, I have ridden a race for my precious life, at the peril of my limbs and neck. Three great Doones galloping after me, and a good job for me that they were so big, or they must have overtaken me.”
Jeremy explained he had been chased from Landacre Bridge by three Doones, and their large size ironically slowed them down.
Recounts Jeremy's narrow escape from the Doones.
