# The Angel of Light Under a Cloud explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Felix Graham receives a letter revealing Mary Snow's secret meeting with a lover, while he struggles with his feelings for Madeline Staveley. Judge Staveley visits Graham, discusses the Orley Farm case, and offers him a role as junior counsel for Lady Mason's defense, alongside Mr. Furnival and Mr. Chaffanbrass.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Deception

Mary Snow's secret letters and meeting with a lover contrast with Felix's ideal of her as an 'angel of light'; the Orley Farm case hinges on alleged perjury.

### Love and Marriage

Felix's dual intentions toward Mary Snow and Madeline Staveley reflect conflicting views on marriage; Sir Peregrine's proposed marriage to Lady Mason is discussed.

### Reputation and Scandal

Mary's actions threaten her reputation and engagement; Lady Mason faces public scandal and potential conviction for perjury.

## Character check-ins

### Felix Graham

Receives news of Mary Snow's infidelity and grapples with his conflicting intentions toward Mary and Madeline Staveley.

### Augustus Staveley

Visits Felix, discusses the Orley Farm case, and mentions Sir Peregrine's intention to marry Lady Mason.

### Judge Staveley

Visits Felix in his room, invites him to the drawing-room, and discusses the Orley Farm case, offering Felix a place on the defense team.

### Mary Snow

Revealed to have corresponded with and met a lover; writes a remorseful letter to Felix.

### Lady Mason

Subject of the Orley Farm case; to be indicted for perjury, with Felix asked to join her defense.

### Sir Peregrine Orme

Mentioned as planning to marry Lady Mason, having taken up her case with enthusiasm.

## Key lines

> I only wish I were thought good enough for the chance,” said Augustus. “By heavens! I would work for that woman as I never could work again for any fee that could be offered me.”

Augustus expresses his eagerness to defend Lady Mason, saying he would work harder for her than for any paid case.

_Augustus Staveley's enthusiasm for the Orley Farm case and his admiration for Lady Mason._

> You have been very wicked to address me,” the angel of light said severely. “And it is almost impossible that I should ever forgive you!

Mary Snow's letter to her lover begins with a stern rebuke, claiming his approach was wicked and nearly unforgivable.

_Mary's attempt to maintain moral high ground while secretly arranging a meeting._

> The labour we delight in physics pain,” she said. Those were her words, and now they are mine.”

Judge Staveley quotes Lady Macbeth to Felix, meaning that enjoyable work makes pain easier to bear.

_The judge's lighthearted way of dismissing the trouble Felix's care causes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xlviii-the-angel-of-light-under-a-cloud
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters