The American Senator · Chapter
Arabella's Success explained
Arabella Trefoil, recovering from her failed pursuit of Lord Rufford, learns of John Morton's legacy of five thousand pounds.
What happens
Arabella Trefoil, recovering from her failed pursuit of Lord Rufford, learns of John Morton's legacy of five thousand pounds. Overcome with guilt and despair, she contemplates her future and eventually considers Mounser Green, who has accepted a diplomatic post in Patagonia, as a potential husband.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Financial Necessity
Arabella considers Mounser Green as a solution to her financial and social desperation, viewing marriage as a career move.
Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity
Arabella feels guilt over John Morton's legacy yet continues her manipulative pursuit of a husband, while Mounser Green overlooks her past for social gain.
Love vs. Practicality
Arabella's reflection on John Morton's true love contrasts with her practical decision to accept Mounser Green for security.
Characters to notice
- Arabella Trefoil
Lies ill in bed after returning from Rufford, weeping over John Morton's legacy and reflecting on her past; later dresses up to attract Mounser Green.
- Mounser Green
Sends tender messages to Arabella daily; has accepted the mission to Patagonia and becomes engaged to her by the end of the chapter.
- John Morton
Deceased; his legacy of five thousand pounds to Arabella is revealed, causing her guilt and reflection.
- Lord Rufford
Mentioned as having jilted Arabella; Mounser Green believes he treated her badly.
- Mrs. Connop Green
Hosts Arabella; brings news of Mounser Green's Patagonia appointment and cares for her during her illness.
- Charley Glossop
Teases Mounser Green about Arabella at the Foreign Office, later acknowledges the engagement.
Key passages
“She had been engaged to Lord Rufford and had been cruelly jilted by him he did believe.”
Mounser Green believed that Lord Rufford had been engaged to Arabella and then heartlessly abandoned her.
Reflects Mounser Green's perception of Arabella as a wronged woman.
“The five thousand pounds were quite certain; and the money, though it could not be called a large fortune for a young lady, would pay his debts and send him out a free man to Patagonia.”
The five thousand pounds, though modest, would clear Mounser Green's debts and allow him to start anew in Patagonia.
Highlights the financial pragmatism behind Mounser Green's interest in Arabella.
“Oh, how she wished that she had deserted her class, and clung to him—even though she should now have been his widow.”
Arabella regretted not abandoning her social ambitions to stay with John Morton, even if it meant being his widow.
Shows Arabella's moment of remorse and self-awareness.
“It would be long before Lord Rufford would be forgotten—and she had not space enough before her for forgettings which would require time for their accomplishment.”
Arabella realized she lacked the time to wait for society to forget her scandal with Lord Rufford.
Illustrates her urgency to secure a new match quickly.
“Mounser Green had declared with energy that Lord Rufford had behaved very badly.”
Mounser Green strongly condemned Lord Rufford's treatment of Arabella.
Positions Mounser Green as a potential rescuer in Arabella's eyes.
