The Claverings · Chapter
XIX: The Blue Posts explained
Harry Clavering, urged by a note from Lady Ongar, visits Sophie Gordeloup to obtain Count Pateroff's address.
What happens
Harry Clavering, urged by a note from Lady Ongar, visits Sophie Gordeloup to obtain Count Pateroff's address. He writes a note to the count, who later arranges a dinner at the Blue Posts with Harry, Colonel Schmoff, and Captain Boodle. After dinner, Harry privately delivers Lady Ongar's message that she will not see the count, but Pateroff insists he will call on her regardless.
Themes in this chapter
Duty and Moral Obligation
Harry feels obligated to fulfill Lady Ongar's commission despite the awkwardness, reflecting his sense of duty.
Appearance vs. Reality
Sophie Gordeloup's disheveled appearance contrasts with her pointed, scheming behavior, and the count's genial dinner manner masks his determination to pressure Lady Ongar.
Characters to notice
- Harry Clavering
Visits Sophie Gordeloup to get Count Pateroff's address, writes a note to the count, attends dinner at the Blue Posts, and delivers Lady Ongar's message to Pateroff.
- Sophie Gordeloup
Welcomes Harry in her morning dishabille, provides her brother's address, and later disparages Harry in French after he leaves.
- Count Pateroff
Arranges the dinner at the Blue Posts, receives Harry's note, and after dinner insists he will see Lady Ongar despite her message.
- Julia Brabazon
Sends a note to Harry upbraiding him for not completing her commission regarding Count Pateroff.
- Captain Doodles
Present at the Blue Posts dinner, claims acquaintance with Archie and Sir Hugh Clavering, and leaves early.
- Colonel Schmoff
Dines at the Blue Posts with the count and Harry, speaks little, and waits for the count during Harry's private conversation.
Key passages
“Oh; so you ’ave come to see me. I am so glad.”
Sophie Gordeloup greets Harry warmly, expressing pleasure at his visit.
Sophie's greeting sets the tone for her manipulative yet welcoming demeanor.
“I think it unkind of you that you do not come to me. I asked you to see a certain person on my behalf, and you have not done so.”
Lady Ongar reproaches Harry for not visiting her and for failing to carry out her request to see Count Pateroff.
This note motivates Harry's actions throughout the chapter.
“Tell her ladyship, with my compliments, that it will be better for her to see me—better for her, and for me.”
Count Pateroff instructs Harry to inform Lady Ongar that it is in her best interest to meet with him.
The count's message reveals his insistence and underlying threat.