# It Cannot Be Arranged explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Reginald Morton, upon receiving his aunt Lady Ushant's letter, understands that Mr. Twentyman is the suitor causing Mary Masters' discomfort at home. He deeply admires Mary's character and rejects the idea of her marrying a farmer like Twentyman. He visits the Masters' house to propose Mary's return to Cheltenham, but Mrs. Masters vehemently refuses, accusing Mary of deceit and stubbornness. The confrontation escalates in front of Reginald, leaving Mary humiliated and heartbroken.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Practicality

Reginald Morton admires Mary's character and rejects the idea of her marrying for practical reasons like Twentyman's farm, while Mrs. Masters pushes for the marriage as a practical necessity.

### Rural Life and Community

The setting in the attorney's house and the contrast between the squalid living conditions and Mary's refined character highlight the constraints of rural life.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Mrs. Masters accuses Mary of deceit while herself scheming to force a marriage, and Reginald's own unacknowledged feelings for Mary add moral complexity.

## Character check-ins

### Reginald Morton

Receives his aunt's letter, understands the situation with Mary and Twentyman, and admires Mary's character deeply. He visits the Masters' house to propose Mary's return to Cheltenham but is rebuffed by Mrs. Masters.

### Mary Masters

Is the subject of the dispute; she wrote to Lady Ushant for help escaping her suitor. She is humiliated when her stepmother confronts her in front of Reginald Morton.

### Lady Ushant

Sent a letter via Reginald Morton inviting Mary to return to Cheltenham, which Mrs. Masters opposes.

### Mr. Masters

Is out walking with Mary but not present during the confrontation; his retreating form is seen entering the Bush.

### Mrs. Masters

Fiercely opposes Mary's return to Cheltenham, accuses Mary of deceit and stubbornness, and argues with Reginald Morton.

### Lawrence Twentyman

Mentioned as the suitor Mary rejected; his absence is noted by Mrs. Masters, who still hopes to force the marriage.

## Key lines

> It cannot be arranged.

Mrs. Masters flatly refuses Lady Ushant's request for Mary to visit Cheltenham.

_This phrase is the chapter title and encapsulates the central conflict._

> There was a poem to be read there of surpassing beauty, rhythmical and eloquent as the music of the spheres, if it might only be given to a man to read it.

Reginald sees Mary's inner depth and beauty as something almost mystical and inaccessible.

_Reflects Reginald's idealized view of Mary._

> She’s obstinate and pigheaded, that’s the truth of it.

Mrs. Masters accuses Mary of being stubborn and unreasonable.

_Shows Mrs. Masters' harsh judgment and her determination to control Mary._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/xlvi-it-cannot-be-arranged
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters