Orley Farm · Chapter
Footsteps in the Corridor explained
Madeline Staveley, distressed after rejecting Peregrine Orme's marriage proposal, struggles to maintain composure at dinner.
What happens
Madeline Staveley, distressed after rejecting Peregrine Orme's marriage proposal, struggles to maintain composure at dinner. She later confides in her mother, Lady Staveley, about the rejection. While walking to her mother's dressing-room, she stops at Felix Graham's door, where the nurse Mrs. Baker facilitates a brief, tender exchange. Madeline reflects on her feelings, realizing she does not love Peregrine but is drawn to Felix.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Madeline's rejection of Peregrine's proposal and her mother's discussion of marriage suitability highlight the tension between personal feelings and societal expectations.
Reputation and Scandal
Madeline's concern about appearing weak and her mother's careful handling of the proposal reflect the importance of maintaining decorum and reputation.
Characters to notice
- Madeline Staveley
Distressed after rejecting Peregrine Orme's proposal; struggles at dinner and later confides in her mother; shares a brief, emotional exchange with Felix Graham at his door.
- Lady Staveley
Observes Madeline's distress, offers comfort, and discusses Peregrine's proposal with her daughter, expressing approval of him as a suitor.
- Felix Graham
Recovering from an accident; speaks briefly with Madeline at his door, expressing longing to talk with her and gratitude for her family's care.
- Young Peregrine
Left abruptly after proposing to Madeline; his departure is discussed at dinner, and Lady Staveley speaks favorably of him.
- Augustus Staveley
Mentions Peregrine's sudden departure at dinner, unaware of the proposal; talks casually about Orme.
- Mrs. Baker
Nurse attending Felix Graham; facilitates the conversation between Madeline and Felix at his door.
Key passages
“Upon my word I am very sorry,” said the judge. “But what made him go off so suddenly? I hope there’s nobody ill at The Cleeve!””
The judge expresses surprise at Peregrine Orme's sudden departure and hopes no one is sick at The Cleeve.
The judge's comment opens the chapter, highlighting the mystery around Peregrine's abrupt exit.
“He’s a very pleasant, nice young man,” said Lady Staveley; “and never gives himself any airs. I like him exceedingly.””
Lady Staveley praises Peregrine Orme as a pleasant and unpretentious young man, indicating her approval.
Lady Staveley's eulogy signals her support for Peregrine as a potential suitor for Madeline.
“I do so long to be able to talk to you again; all the others come and visit me, but I have only heard the sounds of your footsteps as you pass by.”
Felix Graham tells Madeline he yearns to speak with her, as he only hears her footsteps while others visit him.
Felix's words reveal his deep interest in Madeline, contrasting with her recent rejection of Peregrine.
“I could only tell him—” “Yes, I know. Poor fellow! But, Madeline, is he not an excellent young man;—one, at any rate, that is lovable?”
Madeline begins to explain her rejection, and Lady Staveley acknowledges Peregrine's worthiness as a suitor.
The mother-daughter conversation explores the conflict between Madeline's feelings and societal expectations of a good match.