# I Love Her Still explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Lucius Mason writes to Mr. Furnival to thank him for his efforts in the trial and to announce his decision to surrender Orley Farm to his half-brother, Joseph Mason of Groby. He also writes a love letter to Sophia Furnival, explaining his changed circumstances. Mrs. Orme takes her leave of Lady Mason and Orley Farm, and returns to The Cleeve, where Sir Peregrine Orme confesses his enduring love for Lady Mason, acknowledging the pain of her confession and the end of his hopes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Deception

The aftermath of Lady Mason's trial reveals the lingering effects of her deception, as Lucius chooses to surrender the property despite her acquittal.

### Love and Marriage

Sir Peregrine's confession of love for Lady Mason and Lucius's letter to Sophia highlight the intertwining of love, duty, and loss.

### Reputation and Scandal

The characters grapple with the social fallout of the trial, as Lady Mason and Lucius prepare to leave Orley Farm and face a diminished future.

## Character check-ins

### Lucius Mason

Writes letters to Mr. Furnival and Sophia Furnival, deciding to surrender Orley Farm and leave with his mother.

### Mrs. Orme

Takes her leave of Lady Mason and Orley Farm, returns to The Cleeve, and comforts Sir Peregrine.

### Sir Peregrine Orme

Confesses his love for Lady Mason to Mrs. Orme, showing the toll the trial has taken on him.

### Lady Mason

Bids farewell to Mrs. Orme, expresses her sorrow and gratitude, and prepares to leave Orley Farm.

### Young Peregrine

Accompanies his mother back to The Cleeve, confused by the events, and reflects on his own hopeless love for Madeline Staveley.

### Sophia Furnival

Recipient of Lucius's love letter, in which he explains his changed circumstances and his feelings.

## Key lines

> It was all over now, and as Lucius had said to his mother, there was nothing left for them but to go and hide themselves.

The trial had concluded, and Lucius felt that the only option remaining was for them to retreat from society.

_Summarizes the chapter's opening mood of defeat and resignation._

> I loved her;—with all my heart! It is foolish for an old man so to say; but I did love her; nay, I love her still.

Sir Peregrine admits his deep and enduring love for Lady Mason, despite knowing it is inappropriate for his age.

_Captures the emotional climax of Sir Peregrine's confession._

> But the sorrow that was bringing him to his grave came from the love of which he had spoken.

The grief that was killing Sir Peregrine stemmed from the love he had confessed.

_Highlights the fatal impact of his unrequited love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxxvi-i-love-her-still
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters