# Peregrine's Eloquence explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Peregrine Orme, troubled by his grandfather's intention to marry Lady Mason, confronts her in the drawing-room at The Cleeve. He argues that the marriage would bring disgrace upon Sir Peregrine and cause unhappiness to himself and Lucius Mason, urging her to reconsider.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reputation and Scandal

Peregrine argues that the marriage would bring public ridicule upon Sir Peregrine, highlighting the theme of social reputation.

### Family and Loyalty

Peregrine's concern for his grandfather's honor and Lucius's opposition reflect family loyalty and conflict.

### Love and Marriage

The proposed marriage between Sir Peregrine and Lady Mason is central, with objections based on age and social propriety.

## Character check-ins

### Young Peregrine

Confronts Lady Mason in the drawing-room, arguing against her marriage to his grandfather.

### Lady Mason

Listens to Peregrine's objections, visibly nervous and troubled by the discussion.

### Lucius Mason

Discussed as opposing the marriage; Peregrine relays his discontent to Lady Mason.

### Mrs. Orme

Informed Peregrine of the engagement and gave her reluctant assent to Sir Peregrine.

### Sir Peregrine Orme

The intended groom; Peregrine fears the marriage will damage his reputation.

## Key lines

> It must not be,” she said to herself over and over again. “Though he turn me out of the house, I must tell him that it cannot be so.

Lady Mason repeatedly resolves that she must refuse the marriage, even if it means being cast out.

_Shows Lady Mason's internal conflict and determination._

> I don't care twopence what he does in that respect. He is so honest and so noble-hearted, that I am sure he won't do me a wrong.

Peregrine insists he is not concerned about money, trusting his grandfather's integrity.

_Highlights Peregrine's respect for Sir Peregrine despite opposing the marriage._

> What does the world always say when an old man like my grandfather marries a young woman?

Peregrine appeals to societal judgment against an elderly man marrying a younger woman.

_Illustrates the theme of reputation and scandal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxxvii-peregrine-s-eloquence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters