The American Senator · Chapter
But There Is Some One explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Masters faces a domestic confrontation with his wife over Mary's planned visit to Lady Ushant in Cheltenham. Mrs. Masters accuses him of favoritism and blames Mary for refusing Lawrence Twentyman's proposal. Mr. Masters asserts his authority, insisting Mary will go. Later, he learns from Mr. Runciman that Lord Rufford has invited Lawrence Twentyman to a shooting party, raising concerns about Lawrence's character. Mr. Masters then visits Reginald Morton at Hoppet Hall, where they discuss Mary's unhappiness and her firm rejection of Twentyman. Reginald hints at a possible other attachment, and Mr. Masters confesses he suspects there is someone else, though he does not know who.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Financial Necessity
Mrs. Masters insists Mary should marry Lawrence Twentyman for practical reasons, while Mr. Masters supports Mary's refusal despite financial pressures.
Love vs. Practicality
Mary's rejection of a financially secure match with Twentyman contrasts with her family's practical concerns, and Mr. Masters suspects a romantic attachment to someone else.
Rural Life and Community
The chapter depicts domestic strife in Dillsborough, local gossip at the Bush, and the social dynamics of a shooting party invitation.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Masters
Struggles with his wife's opposition to Mary's Cheltenham trip, asserts his authority, and later confides in Reginald Morton about his suspicion that Mary has another attachment.
- Mary Masters
Subject of parental conflict; her refusal of Lawrence Twentyman and desire to visit Lady Ushant cause tension. Mr. Masters suspects she may have another romantic interest.
- Reginald Morton
Supports Mary's visit to Cheltenham, discusses her situation with Mr. Masters, and probes about a possible other suitor.
- Lawrence Twentyman
Mentioned as Mary's rejected suitor; invited by Lord Rufford to a shooting party, which concerns Mr. Runciman about his potential extravagance.
- Mr. Runciman
Informs Mr. Masters of Lord Rufford's invitation to Lawrence Twentyman and expresses concern about Lawrence's character.
Key passages
“I won’t have any going to Cheltenham and that’s flat.”
Mrs. Masters flatly refuses to allow Mary to go to Cheltenham.
Mrs. Masters asserts her opposition to Mary's visit.
“She has got round you because she wants to be a fine lady.”
Mrs. Masters accuses Mary of manipulating her father to pursue a grander lifestyle.
Mrs. Masters expresses resentment toward Mary's ambitions.
“She’ll go to Lady Ushant.”
Mr. Masters declares that Mary will indeed go to Lady Ushant.
Mr. Masters asserts his authority over his wife's objections.
“It’ll be the making of Larry. I only hope he won’t cock his beaver too high.”
Mr. Runciman thinks the invitation will benefit Lawrence but worries it might make him arrogant.
Mr. Runciman comments on Lawrence's social elevation.
“To tell the truth then, Mr. Morton, I think there is somebody, though who it is I know as little as the baby unborn.”
Mr. Masters confesses he suspects Mary has another romantic interest, but he has no idea who it is.
Mr. Masters reveals his suspicion to Reginald Morton.
