# Chapter XL explained — Miss Marjoribanks

> Chapter companion for Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xl
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters