The American Senator · Chapter
The Will explained
After John Morton's death, the town of Dillsborough speculates about the disposition of his property.
What happens
After John Morton's death, the town of Dillsborough speculates about the disposition of his property. Reginald Morton, the presumed heir, stays away from Bragton, while Mrs. Morton departs for London. The will is read after the funeral, leaving £5,000 and personal effects to Arabella Trefoil and the remainder of the estate to Reginald Morton.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Aristocracy
The inheritance of Bragton and the speculation about Reginald Morton's suitability as a country gentleman underscore class and social expectations.
Rural Life and Community
The club meeting and town gossip illustrate the close-knit rural community's interest in local affairs and property.
Characters to notice
- Reginald Morton
Reginald is the presumed heir who stays away from Bragton, contemplates his future as squire, and ultimately inherits the estate.
- John Morton
John Morton has died, and his will is the central focus of the chapter.
- Arabella Trefoil
Arabella is left £5,000 and personal effects in John Morton's will.
- Mr. Masters
Mr. Masters, the attorney, was summoned to Bragton before John Morton's death and later attends the reading of the will.
- Captain Glomax
Captain Glomax, the master of the hunt, discusses the possibility of renting Bragton and criticizes Reginald Morton's lack of interest in sport.
- Lawrence Twentyman
Larry Twentyman is present at the club meeting and expresses his anger about Goarly.
Key passages
“The town knew very well that Mr. Masters, the attorney, had been sent for to Bragton on the previous Wednesday—whence the deduction as to a new will, made of course under the auspices of Mrs. Morton—would have been quite plain to the town, had not a portion of the town heard that the attorney had not been for a moment with the dying man during his visit.”
The townspeople assumed that Mr. Masters had been called to Bragton to draft a new will for Mrs. Morton, but some learned that he never actually saw the dying man.
This highlights the town's speculation and the confusion surrounding the will.
“John Morton left £5,000 and his watch and chain and rings to Arabella Trefoil, and everything else of which he was possessed to his cousin Reginald Morton.”
John Morton's will gave Arabella Trefoil £5,000 and his personal jewelry, while Reginald Morton inherited the rest of his estate.
This reveals the final disposition of the property, confirming Reginald as the new squire.