# The Two Old Ladies explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mrs. Morton confronts her dying grandson John about the purchase of Chowton Farm and the inheritance of Bragton, while Lady Ushant and Mary Masters discuss Reginald Morton's potential succession and Mary's feelings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Aristocracy

The struggle over Bragton's inheritance underscores the importance of land and lineage in maintaining aristocratic status.

### Tradition vs. Reform

John Morton's insistence on following the proper line of succession clashes with Mrs. Morton's attempts to alter the inheritance for personal or familial gain.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Morton

Nurses her wrath and schemes to control John's will regarding Chowton Farm and the inheritance.

### John Morton

Lies ill in bed, resisting his grandmother's pressure to disinherit Reginald Morton.

### Lady Ushant

Tends to John but is forced to leave when Mrs. Morton arrives; later confides in Mary about her wishes.

### Mary Masters

Walks with Reginald Morton and reflects on her feelings and the impossibility of a match with him.

### Reginald Morton

Speaks with Mary about the possibility of inheriting Bragton and his sense of duty.

## Key lines

> I think more of this property than of anything in the world, my dear.

Mrs. Morton tells John that the Bragton estate is her highest priority.

_Reveals her obsession with preserving the property._

> How could I die in peace were I to rob him?

John refuses to disinherit Reginald, valuing justice over his grandmother's wishes.

_Highlights John's moral integrity._

> Men do consider such things. And they are only cousins; and they have never known each other! Oh, Mary!

Lady Ushant expresses surprise that Reginald might not think about inheriting Bragton.

_Shows her romantic hopes for Mary and Reginald._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/lviii-the-two-old-ladies
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters