Orley Farm · Chapter
LXV: Felix Graham Returns to Noningsby explained
Felix Graham returns to Noningsby, where Judge Staveley gives him permission to court Madeline.
What happens
Felix Graham returns to Noningsby, where Judge Staveley gives him permission to court Madeline. The judge and Lady Staveley discuss the match, with Lady Staveley reluctantly accepting it. Felix senses a change in opinion about Lady Mason's innocence, as the judge avoids discussing her case. The evening ends awkwardly as Felix struggles to converse with Madeline under the watchful eyes of her parents.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on Felix's courtship of Madeline, with parental consent and financial considerations shaping the match.
Truth and Deception
Felix senses a shift in belief about Lady Mason's innocence, highlighting the theme of perceived truth and deception in legal matters.
Social Class and Ambition
Felix's modest means and the judge's concerns about his income reflect the intersection of social class and professional ambition.
Characters to notice
- Felix Graham
Returns to Noningsby, receives permission from Judge Staveley to court Madeline, and senses a shift in opinion about Lady Mason's innocence.
- Judge Staveley
Gives Felix permission to address Madeline, discusses the match with Lady Staveley, and avoids discussing Lady Mason's case, causing Felix concern.
- Madeline Staveley
Sits quietly stitching during the evening, aware of her father's permission for Felix to court her but struggling with her mother's reluctance.
- Lady Staveley
Reluctantly accepts the match between Felix and Madeline after the judge's persuasion, though she had hoped for Peregrine Orme.
- Lady Mason
Not directly present, but her case is discussed indirectly; Felix notes that the judge no longer speaks openly in her favor.
- Mr. Furnival
Mentioned as Felix's new client associate in the upcoming trial.
- Mr. Chaffanbrass
Mentioned as a barrister involved in the case, whose presence at a country assize is unusual.
- Young Peregrine
Mentioned by Lady Staveley as a potential suitor for Madeline, now set aside in favor of Felix.
Key passages
“My idea is that you acted as an honest man when you were last here. You are not a rich man— Anything but that. And therefore I do not think it would have been well had you endeavoured to gain my daughter’s affections without speaking to me—or to her mother.”
Judge Staveley tells Felix that he acted honorably by not pursuing Madeline secretly, given his lack of wealth, and now grants permission to court her openly.
The judge approves Felix's honorable conduct and gives his blessing for the courtship.
“It is they and such as they that make so many in these days feel the need of some Utopia—as it was in the old days of our history.”
Felix criticizes lawyers like Mr. Furnival and Mr. Chaffanbrass, suggesting their practices drive people to seek idealistic reforms.
Felix expresses disillusionment with the legal profession's ethics.
“It must be that he thinks she is guilty, said Graham to himself, as he lay down that night in bed.”
Felix concludes that Judge Staveley now believes Lady Mason is guilty, based on his reluctance to discuss her case.
Felix's internal realization about the judge's changed opinion on Lady Mason's innocence.
