# Christmas at Noningsby explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

The chapter describes the lively Christmas gathering at Noningsby, the judge's country house, with guests including Mr. Furnival, Lucius Mason, and the Staveley family. Amidst festive activities like blindman's buff, social dynamics unfold: Augustus Staveley sits beside Sophia Furnival, though he claims indifference; Lucius Mason competes for her attention; and Felix Graham enjoys the children's games, particularly with little Marian Arbuthnot. Peregrine Orme watches from a distance, feeling bitter about Madeline Staveley's interactions with Graham.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter explores romantic tensions and matchmaking dynamics, including Augustus Staveley's ambiguous intentions toward Sophia Furnival, Lucius Mason's rivalry, and Peregrine Orme's hidden feelings for Madeline Staveley.

### Social Class and Ambition

Lucius Mason's confidence in competing with Augustus Staveley reflects class and ambition, as he asserts his worth despite lacking an English school or university background.

## Character check-ins

### Augustus Staveley

Sits beside Sophia Furnival at breakfast, claims indifference but shows jealousy toward Lucius Mason's attentions to her.

### Sophia Furnival

Receives homage from both Augustus Staveley and Lucius Mason, managing her smiles with tact.

### Lucius Mason

Present as a guest, competes for Sophia Furnival's attention and feels confident in his own abilities.

### Felix Graham

Plays blindman's buff with the children, especially Marian Arbuthnot, and is defended by Augustus Staveley despite Staveley's criticism of Lucius.

### Madeline Staveley

Assists her mother at breakfast and is the object of Peregrine Orme's unspoken affection; participates in the games.

### Young Peregrine

Observes the games from a distance, feeling bitterness and inner groaning over Madeline's interactions with Felix Graham.

## Key lines

> In how very short a time will come upon one that pleasant custom of sitting in an accustomed place!

People quickly grow attached to their habitual seats at the table.

_Reflects the comfort of routine in social settings._

> Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who has a low opinion of himself.

Self-respect is necessary for earning others' respect.

_Felix Graham defends Lucius Mason's confidence._

> It is of such children that our wives and sweethearts should be made.

Children like Marian Arbuthnot embody the ideal qualities for future partners.

_Narrator's commentary on Marian's charm._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxii-christmas-at-noningsby
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters