Captain Clavering Makes His First Attempt explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Ambition

  Archie's attempt to court Lady Ongar is driven by ambition to improve his social standing through marriage to a countess.

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Lady Ongar's initial warmth turns to cold formality when she realizes her visitor is not Harry Clavering, highlighting the contrast between her inner feelings and outward behavior.

• Gender Roles and Power

  Archie's awkwardness and Lady Ongar's control of the conversation illustrate the power dynamics in courtship, with the woman able to reject advances.

Characters to notice

• Captain Archibald Clavering

  Makes his first attempt to court Lady Ongar, but is awkward and unsuccessful.

• Julia Brabazon

  Expects Harry Clavering but is disappointed to find Archie; remains cold and formal.

• Sophie Gordeloup

  Arrives unexpectedly, providing a relief from the awkward conversation.

• Captain Doodles

  Referenced as the friend who gave Archie advice on courting Lady Ongar.

• Sir Hugh Clavering

  Mentioned as having been difficult and possibly losing money; Archie tries to discuss him.

• Hermione

  Mentioned as always speaking well of Lady Ongar.

Key passages

• “During breakfast on the following day—which means from the hour of one till two, for the glasses of iced gin-and-water had been many—Archie Clavering was making up his mind that he would begin at once.”

  Archie, recovering from a night of heavy drinking, decides over a late breakfast to start his plan immediately.

  Highlights Archie's dissipated lifestyle and his impulsive decision to court Lady Ongar.

• “He would go to Bolton Street on that day, and make an attempt to be admitted. If not admitted today he would make another attempt tomorrow, and, if still unsuccessful, he would write a letter; not a letter containing an offer... but a letter in which he would explain that he had very grave reasons for wishing to see his near and dear connection, Lady Ongar.”

  He plans to visit Lady Ongar repeatedly until he gains entry, and if that fails, he will write a letter hinting at urgent matters to get her attention.

  Shows Archie's persistence and his strategy to force a meeting, reflecting his lack of subtlety.

• “A countess, a widow, a woman of the world who had seen enough to make her composed under all circumstances, one would say—a trained mare as Doodles had called her—she stood before her glass doubting and trembling like a girl, when she heard that Harry Clavering was waiting for her below.”

  Despite her worldly experience, Lady Ongar becomes nervous and excited when she thinks Harry Clavering has come to visit her.

  Reveals Julia's lingering feelings for Harry and her vulnerability beneath her composed exterior.

• “She would be honest to him—honest and true. She was in truth glad to see him, and he should know it. What cared she now for the common ways of women and the usual coynesses of feminine coquetry?”

  She resolves to be genuine and open with Harry, abandoning the typical games of flirtation.

  Demonstrates Julia's desire for authenticity in her relationship with Harry, contrasting with societal expectations.

• “The outstretched hand fell slowly to her side, the smile gave place to a look of composed dignity which made Archie at once feel that the fate which called upon him to woo a countess was in itself hard.”

  When she sees it's Archie, her welcoming gesture and smile vanish, replaced by a cold dignity that intimidates him.

  Illustrates the shift in Julia's demeanor and Archie's realization of the difficulty of his task.