# Mr. Furnival Looks for Assistance explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mr. Furnival consults with his clerk Crabwitz about the Orley Farm case, then seeks the assistance of the seasoned barrister Mr. Chaffanbrass. They discuss strategy, potential counsel, and the likelihood of Lady Mason's guilt, with Furnival internally conflicted about his client's innocence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Deception

Furnival and Chaffanbrass both suspect Lady Mason's guilt, yet prepare to defend her, highlighting the tension between legal strategy and moral truth.

### Law and Morality

The chapter explores the ethical dilemmas of defending a possibly guilty client, as Furnival grapples with his professional duty and personal feelings.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Furnival

Consults with Crabwitz and then visits Mr. Chaffanbrass to secure legal assistance for Lady Mason's defense.

### Mr. Crabwitz

Reports back from Hamworth, offering his opinion that the codicil was never made by Sir Joseph.

### Mr. Chaffanbrass

Agrees to take a brief in the case, though he appears convinced of Lady Mason's guilt.

### Lady Mason

The client in question; Furnival internally struggles with his belief in her possible guilt while admiring her beauty and innocence.

### Felix Graham

Mentioned as a potential junior counsel who is interested in the case and believes in Lady Mason's innocence.

### Solomon Aram

Suggested by Chaffanbrass as a possible attorney, but Furnival rejects the idea due to concerns about reputation.

## Key lines

> In his heart of hearts, he did believe that that codicil had been fraudulently manufactured by his friend and client, Lady Mason.

Deep down, Furnival believed Lady Mason had forged the codicil.

_Reveals Furnival's private suspicion of his client's guilt._

> He would still bring her through! Yes, in spite of her guilt, if she were guilty; on the strength of her innocency, if she were innocent; but on account of her beauty, and soft hand, and deep liquid eye.

He was determined to secure her acquittal, driven partly by her attractiveness.

_Highlights Furnival's conflicted motives—professional duty mixed with personal admiration._

## Links

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