The American Senator · Chapter
At Last explained
After John Morton's death, Reginald Morton inherits Bragton but chooses to remain at Hoppet Hall for now.
What happens
After John Morton's death, Reginald Morton inherits Bragton but chooses to remain at Hoppet Hall for now. Lady Ushant returns to Bragton and invites Mary Masters to stay. Reginald restores Mr. Masters to his old family position regarding the estate. Mary, while walking at Bragton, encounters Reginald, who questions her about a secret lover. She is conflicted, believing he might have feelings for her but also that the squire of Bragton should not marry a Dillsborough attorney's daughter.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Aristocracy
Mary reflects that the squire of Bragton should not marry a Dillsborough attorney's daughter, highlighting class barriers.
Love vs. Practicality
Reginald's internal conflict about proposing to Mary versus his fear of refusal and the practical demands of his new position.
Characters to notice
- Reginald Morton
Inherits Bragton but stays at Hoppet Hall; restores Mr. Masters's position; questions Mary about her secret.
- Mary Masters
Visits Bragton as Lady Ushant's guest; walks in the grounds; is confronted by Reginald about a secret lover.
- Lady Ushant
Returns to Bragton; invites Mary to stay; makes inventories with Mary.
- Mr. Masters
Restored to his old family position regarding the Bragton estate by Reginald.
- Mrs. Morton
Departs for London after John Morton's death; locks up everything and takes keys; later the lawyer returns them.
Key passages
“She did own to herself that the squire of Bragton should not look for his wife in the house of a Dillsborough attorney.”
Mary admitted to herself that the lord of Bragton manor ought not to seek a bride from the home of a small-town lawyer.
Reflects Mary's awareness of class boundaries and her own perceived unsuitability.
“He thought that he could understand the delight, that he could thoroughly enjoy the rapture, of hearing her whisper with downcast eyes, that she could love him.”
He imagined the joy of hearing her confess her love with shy, lowered eyes.
Shows Reginald's romantic longing and fear of rejection.