# XXII explained — Miss Marjoribanks

> Chapter companion for Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

Lucilla brings the Archdeacon to visit Mrs. Mortimer's school, leading to a dramatic and unexpected reunion between them. Mrs. Chiley grows weary of hosting the Archdeacon, while Lucilla contemplates his potential romantic interest in her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Hierarchy

Mrs. Mortimer's status as a 'faded existence' who has 'seen better days' highlights the precariousness of class position for women.

### Performance and Appearance

Lucilla's careful management of her own presentation and the Archdeacon's shifting demeanor underscore the theme of social performance.

### Community and Gossip

Carlingford speculates about the Archdeacon's attentions to Lucilla, showing the community's role in interpreting social interactions.

## Character check-ins

### Lucilla Marjoribanks

Leads the Archdeacon to Mrs. Mortimer's school, reflecting on his softened manner and anticipating a possible proposal.

### Archdeacon Beverley

Accompanies Lucilla to the school, where he is shocked to encounter Mrs. Mortimer, revealing a prior connection.

### Mrs. Mortimer

Sees the Archdeacon approaching and is visibly shaken, dropping her books and turning pale.

### Mrs. Chiley

Feels burdened by hosting the Archdeacon but bears it for Lucilla's sake.

### Miss Bury

Subtly pressures Mrs. Chiley about the responsibility of hosting the Archdeacon, hinting at disapproval.

## Key lines

> I look upon it as quite a compliment to Carlingford; for, to be sure, he would not stay if he had not some attraction

Mrs. Chiley suggests the Archdeacon's prolonged visit is due to an attraction in Carlingford, likely Lucilla.

_Highlights the community's speculation about the Archdeacon's motives._

> It is a school, and I am so much interested in it. I may call it my school, for that matter.

Lucilla claims ownership of the school she helped establish for Mrs. Mortimer.

_Shows Lucilla's pride in her charitable work and her sense of proprietorship._

> Am I dreaming, or is it you?

The Archdeacon expresses shock and disbelief upon seeing Mrs. Mortimer.

_Reveals a prior, significant relationship between the Archdeacon and Mrs. Mortimer._

## Links

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