Orley Farm · Chapter
LVIII: Miss Staveley Declines to Eat Minced Veal explained
After the departure of all guests from Noningsby, Madeline Staveley quietly resigns herself to a life without Felix Graham, believing he is beyond her reach.
What happens
After the departure of all guests from Noningsby, Madeline Staveley quietly resigns herself to a life without Felix Graham, believing he is beyond her reach. She adopts a monastic routine, causing her mother Lady Staveley to worry. When the judge returns, he takes Madeline for a walk and reveals that Felix Graham wrote a notable article, forcing her to confront her feelings.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Madeline's unspoken love for Felix Graham and her resignation to a life without him, contrasted with Lady Staveley's desire for her to marry.
Family and Loyalty
Madeline's loyalty to her parents' wishes and her mother's concern for her happiness, leading to a family discussion about her future.
Characters to notice
- Madeline Staveley
Resigned to a life without Felix Graham, she adopts a monastic routine and declines minced veal, prompting her mother's concern.
- Lady Staveley
Worried by Madeline's withdrawal and monastic tendencies, she begins to reconsider Felix Graham as a potential son-in-law.
- Judge Staveley
Returns to Noningsby and takes Madeline for a walk, revealing that Felix Graham wrote a notable article and discussing her feelings.
- Felix Graham
Mentioned as the author of a notable article in a Quarterly; his departure and lack of declaration leave Madeline in a state of quiet resignation.
- Augustus Staveley
Returns to Noningsby with the judge for the weekend.
Key passages
“I don't think I shall go”
Madeline declines to attend the ball at the assizes.
Shows her withdrawal from social life.
“If they are both really fond of each other, they had better marry”
The judge suggests that if Madeline and Felix love each other, they should marry despite financial concerns.
Indicates the judge's pragmatic view on love and marriage.
“That article was written by Felix Graham”
The judge reveals that Felix Graham authored a notable article in a Quarterly.
Brings Felix back into focus and stirs Madeline's emotions.