# The Dinner at the Bush explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Lord Rufford, advised by Sir George Penwether, writes a letter to Arabella Trefoil denying any intention of marriage, while Larry Twentyman receives an invitation to dine with Lord Rufford at the Bush. Despite his desolation over Mary Masters's rejection, Larry attends the dinner, where he discusses his plans to sell Chowton Farm and move away, and learns of John Morton's illness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Aristocracy

Larry Twentyman's anxiety about dining with a lord and his desire to be esteemed a gentleman highlight class distinctions.

### Love vs. Practicality

Larry's grief over Mary Masters's rejection contrasts with Lord Rufford's advice to not let such troubles affect him deeply.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Lord Rufford's denial of marriage intentions despite giving Arabella a horse illustrates moral ambiguity and social maneuvering.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Rufford

Writes a letter to Arabella denying marriage intentions, advises Larry Twentyman at the dinner.

### Arabella Trefoil

Recipient of Lord Rufford's letter denying any offer of marriage.

### Lawrence Twentyman

Receives an invitation to dine with Lord Rufford, attends the dinner despite his grief over Mary Masters, and discusses selling Chowton Farm.

### Sir George Penwether

Advises Lord Rufford on the letter to Arabella and insists on its final wording.

### John Morton

Reported to be very ill, with Dr. Nupper attending and a London doctor sent for.

### Captain Glomax

Dines with the party at the Bush, boasts about the run of the season, and discusses Senator Gotobed.

## Key lines

> It is a great grief to me that I should have to answer your letter in a manner that will I fear not be satisfactory to you. I can only say that you have altogether mistaken me if you think that I have said anything which was intended as an offer of marriage.

Lord Rufford writes to Arabella expressing regret that his reply will disappoint her, and insists he never meant to propose marriage.

_This is the core of Lord Rufford's letter denying any marital intentions._

> When a man is reduced by poverty to the drinking of beer instead of wine, it is not the loss of the wine that is so heavy on him as the consciousness that those around him are aware of the reason.

The narrator compares Larry's shame over his romantic failure to the embarrassment of being known to be poor.

_This illustrates Larry's deep sense of humiliation and social exposure._

> Yes, my lord; I think I shall hook it. Something has occurred that has made the place not quite so comfortable to me; and as it is all my own I think I shall sell it.

Larry tells Lord Rufford he plans to leave and sell his farm because of personal troubles.

_Larry confides his intention to emigrate due to his heartbreak over Mary Masters._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/xlviii-the-dinner-at-the-bush
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters