# The Gem of the Four Families explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Felix Graham, recovering at Noningsby, is persuaded to stay longer by the Staveley family. He reflects on his feelings for Madeline Staveley and his own unworthiness, while the judge and his wife discuss the situation. The chapter explores the tension between Graham's past commitments and his growing attachment to Madeline.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Graham's internal conflict between his commitment to Mary Snow and his growing feelings for Madeline Staveley highlights the tensions in romantic attachments.

### Social Class and Ambition

The judge's permissive parenting and the discussion of Madeline's mother marrying a barrister with no fortune reflect class and ambition dynamics.

### Family and Loyalty

The Staveley family's concern for Graham's health and their discussions about his presence demonstrate familial bonds and loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Felix Graham

Recovering at Noningsby, he is persuaded to stay longer and reflects on his feelings for Madeline Staveley.

### Augustus Staveley

Visits Graham and discusses his departure; later speaks with his father about Graham's anxiety to leave.

### Mrs. Baker

Attends to Graham during his meal and discusses the pheasant and bread sauce.

### Madeline Staveley

Referred to as 'the gem of the four families'; she retreats to her room to think after warnings from her brother and sister.

### Judge Staveley

Decides Graham should stay longer, discusses the matter with his wife and son, and later questions his daughter about her feelings.

### Lady Staveley

Expresses concern about Graham's presence and discusses the situation with her husband.

## Key lines

> Bread sauce is so ticklish; a simmer too much and it’s clean done for

Bread sauce is very delicate; even a slight overcooking ruins it.

_Mrs. Baker's culinary expertise and concern for the meal._

> It is a wasting of the best gifts of Providence to eat a pheasant after one has really done one’s dinner.

Eating a pheasant after you are already full is a waste of a good thing.

_Graham's humorous reflection on enjoying food._

> She’s the gem of the four families. Everybody gives that up to her.

She is considered the finest of all the daughters in the four families.

_Mrs. Baker's praise of Madeline Staveley._

> Children, he said, if properly trained would like those things which were good for them.

He believed that well-raised children naturally prefer what is beneficial.

_The judge's unconventional parenting philosophy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xlvii-the-gem-of-the-four-families
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters