# XLVII explained — Miss Marjoribanks

> Chapter companion for Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

As the election approaches, Mr. Cavendish, weary from campaigning, pauses at Grove Street and is drawn by memories and the sound of a contralto voice from the Lake house. Lucilla, meanwhile, learns of his visit but chooses to suppress the information for the sake of fair play, binding Thomas to secrecy until after the election.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Gossip

The rapid spread of news about Mr. Cavendish's visit to the Lake house illustrates the power of gossip in Carlingford.

### Performance and Appearance

Mr. Cavendish's public persona as a candidate contrasts with his private indulgences, and Lucilla's act of forbearance is a performance of moral superiority.

### Self-Perception and Ego

Mr. Cavendish's resentment toward Lucilla and his self-justifying thoughts reveal his wounded ego and self-deception.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Cavendish

Pauses at Grove Street, recalls past, hears a contralto voice, and hesitates before the Lake house.

### Lucilla Marjoribanks

Learns of Mr. Cavendish's visit to the Lake house but resolves to keep it secret for fair play.

### Thomas

Tells Lucilla about Mr. Cavendish's visit and is sworn to secrecy in exchange for the hearth-brush.

### Barbara Lake

Passes Mr. Cavendish in the street and enters the Lake house; her contralto voice is heard from the window.

### Mr. Ashburton

Mentioned as the rival candidate, working hard and dealing in George Street.

### Mr. Wentworth

Has influence at Wharfside and opposes Mr. Cavendish, creating a boulder in the Rector's enthusiasm.

## Key lines

> It was but natural, when Mr. Cavendish came to the corner of Grove Street, where, in other days, he had played a very different part, that certain softening influences should take possession of his soul.

When Mr. Cavendish reached the corner of Grove Street, a place associated with past romantic memories, he naturally felt a sentimental softening.

_Shows Mr. Cavendish's nostalgia and vulnerability as he recalls his earlier relationship with Barbara Lake._

> I will give it you, Thomas, if you will promise, never, until after the election—never to say a word about Mr. Cavendish and Miss Lake.

Lucilla offers Thomas the hearth-brush on condition that he keep silent about Mr. Cavendish's visit to Miss Lake until after the election.

_Highlights Lucilla's strategic self-restraint and her desire to maintain an appearance of impartiality._

## Links

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