Orley Farm · Chapter
Showing How Affairs Settled Themselves at Noningsby explained
The chapter concludes the story at Noningsby, focusing on the engagement of Felix Graham and Madeline Staveley.
What happens
The chapter concludes the story at Noningsby, focusing on the engagement of Felix Graham and Madeline Staveley. Lady Staveley and Madeline discuss the future, while Peregrine Orme bids a sorrowful farewell after learning of Madeline's acceptance of Felix. The chapter also briefly recounts the fates of Sir Peregrine Orme, Mrs. Orme, and Lady Mason, with Lucius Mason deciding to go to Australia.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on the engagement of Felix and Madeline, exploring the joys and practical considerations of marriage.
Reputation and Scandal
Peregrine Orme's departure and Sir Peregrine's withdrawal from society reflect the lingering effects of the Orley Farm scandal.
Characters to notice
- Madeline Staveley
Engaged to Felix Graham; she speaks with him about staying at Noningsby and later bids farewell to Peregrine Orme.
- Felix Graham
Now engaged to Madeline; he listens to the judge's charge and later speaks with her about their future.
- Lady Staveley
Discusses the engagement with Madeline and informs Peregrine Orme of the match.
- Young Peregrine
Bids farewell to Madeline and Lady Staveley after learning of her engagement; plans to travel to Central Africa.
- Sir Peregrine Orme
Lives quietly at The Cleeve, waiting for death, after his involvement in Lady Mason's case.
- Mrs. Orme
Keeps her promise to write to Lady Mason; cares for Sir Peregrine.
Key passages
“You are not to go away from Noningsby when the trial is over, you know. Mamma said that I had better tell you so.”
Madeline tells Felix that he must stay at Noningsby after the trial, as her mother instructed.
Madeline asserts her claim on Felix with playful familiarity.
“I shall go abroad—to Central Africa, I think. It seems a wild sort of place with plenty of animals to kill.”
Peregrine Orme announces his plan to travel to Central Africa for hunting.
Peregrine's decision reflects his heartbreak and desire to escape.
“I will say this of myself, that if ever a fellow loved a girl truly, I loved you;—and I do so now as well or better than ever.”
Peregrine confesses his enduring love for Madeline despite her engagement.
Peregrine's farewell speech reveals his deep but unrequited feelings.