# XXIX explained — Salem Chapel

> Chapter companion for Salem Chapel by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

Vincent returns home to find quiet and two letters: a telegram from Dover with Colonel Mildmay's deposition clearing Susan of all guilt, and a note from Lady Western. He goes to Susan's sickroom, where Dr. Rider and his wife are persuading Mrs. Vincent to rest. Mrs. Vincent, overwhelmed by Susan's recovery, initially resists but eventually faints upon hearing the news of Susan's vindication. She is carried out, and the chapter ends with her tearful relief.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Filial Duty

Mrs. Vincent's unwavering devotion to her children, especially her insistence on watching over Susan herself, highlights the theme of family duty.

### Secrecy and Scandal

The family's private affairs become public through the scandal, and Mrs. Vincent's instinct to protect their privacy contrasts with the public vindication.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Vincent

Returns home, reads the deposition clearing Susan, and brings the news to his mother.

### Mrs. Vincent

Overwhelmed by Susan's recovery and the news of her vindication; faints from the emotional strain.

### Susan Vincent

Lies ill in bed, the subject of the vindication and her mother's anxious care.

### Dr. Rider

Attends to Susan and Mrs. Vincent, advising rest and managing the household.

### Mrs. Rider

Assists Dr. Rider in caring for Susan and persuading Mrs. Vincent to rest.

## Key lines

> He had declared her entirely innocent; he had even gone farther, he had sworn that it was only as the companion of his daughter that Susan had accompanied them, and as such that he had treated her.

Colonel Mildmay swore that Susan was innocent and had only traveled with them as his daughter's companion.

_This is the key exoneration that clears Susan's name._

> Here was a deliverance, full, lavish, unlooked for; but who could tell that the poor girl, crazed with misery, would ever be any the better for it?

Although the vindication was complete and unexpected, Vincent doubted whether Susan, driven mad by her ordeal, would ever benefit from it.

_Vincent's bittersweet relief reflects his concern for Susan's mental state._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters/xxix
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/salem_chapel_se/chapters