# LVIII: Miss Staveley Declines to Eat Minced Veal explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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