Miss Marjoribanks · Chapter
Chapter XL explained
Lucilla, fatigued from sitting for Maria Brown's photographs, receives Mr.
What happens
Lucilla, fatigued from sitting for Maria Brown's photographs, receives Mr. Cavendish's first visit since his return. The encounter is awkward: Mr. Cavendish is visibly older and stouter, and Lucilla's candid remarks about his changed appearance and his past humiliation over 'Her' provoke his anger. Mr. Ashburton is also present, and the two rivals exchange strained civilities. Mr. Cavendish, stung by Lucilla's comments and by seeing Major Brown cordially shake hands with Mr. Ashburton, resolves to throw himself back into society and test his waning popularity.
Themes in this chapter
Performance and Appearance
Lucilla deliberately adopts an air of languor and fatigue; Mr. Cavendish's changed physical appearance is a central point of tension, highlighting the importance of outward presentation in social and political life.
Self-Perception and Ego
Mr. Cavendish's wounded pride at Lucilla's remarks and his impulsive decision to test his popularity reveal his fragile self-image and need for validation.
Community and Gossip
Lucilla mentions the rumors that Mr. Cavendish was 'married and dead,' showing how Carlingford's gossip network shapes perceptions of absent members.
Characters to notice
- Lucilla Marjoribanks
Appears fatigued and languid after sitting for photographs; candidly remarks on Mr. Cavendish's changed appearance and tactlessly mentions his past humiliation.
- Mr. Cavendish
Returns to Carlingford visibly older, stouter, and red-faced; embarrassed by Lucilla's frankness and angered by her reference to 'Her'; decides to begin his canvass immediately.
- Mr. Ashburton
Present during Mr. Cavendish's visit; exchanges stiff bows with his rival and discusses his election campaign with Lucilla.
- Aunt Jemima
Horrified by the tension between the two candidates; stays to maintain propriety and later consulted by Lucilla about a shade of wool.
- Major Brown
Seen through the window cordially shaking hands with Mr. Ashburton, provoking Mr. Cavendish's jealousy.
Key passages
“It makes such a difference in life when one has something on one's mind”
Having a worry changes everything in life.
Lucilla uses her supposed burden to explain her unusual fatigue and to elicit sympathy.
“I have been sitting to Maria Brown. She has taken six, and I am sure they are every one more hideous than the other; and they will go all over England, you know, for the Browns have hosts of people belonging to them; and everybody will say, 'So that is Miss Marjoribanks.'”
I posed for six photographs by Maria Brown, and they are all awful. They'll be sent to the Browns' many relatives across England, and people will think that's what I really look like.
Lucilla complains about the unflattering photographs and their potential to spread a poor image of her.
“I did not think, after what I once said to you, Miss Marjoribanks, that you would continue to insult my judgment in that way”
I didn't expect you to keep belittling my choices after our previous conversation.
Mr. Cavendish is angered by Lucilla's reference to 'Her,' the woman he once pursued.