The Cords of Vanity · Chapter
XXV: He Advances in the Attack on Selwoode explained
Robert Etheridge Townsend reflects on his unexpected and deep love for Margaret Hugonin, despite his earlier cynicism.
What happens
Robert Etheridge Townsend reflects on his unexpected and deep love for Margaret Hugonin, despite his earlier cynicism. He engages in witty banter with Peter Blagden, then spends several days courting Margaret (whom he calls Avis Beechinor) at Selwoode, culminating in a tentative agreement to marry in November.
Themes in this chapter
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Townsend, a self-proclaimed cynic, finds himself falling deeply in love, contrasting his earlier logical dismissal of romance with his actual emotional experience.
Vanity and Self-Deception
Townsend's internal debate about the handkerchief and his self-congratulatory logic reveal his vanity and self-deception regarding his feelings and intentions.
Love and Its Disillusionments
The chapter juxtaposes Townsend's past love for Stella (now dead) with his new love for Margaret, exploring love's capacity for both renewal and loss.
Characters to notice
- Robert Etheridge Townsend
Narrator and protagonist; deeply in love with Margaret Hugonin, reflecting on his transformation from cynic to romantic.
- Peter Blagden
Host at Gridlington; engages in teasing banter with Townsend about his fortune-hunting and love life.
- Margaret Hugonin
The heiress Townsend is courting; she plays coy and witty, eventually agreeing to consider marriage in November.
- Avis Beechinor
Alias used by Margaret Hugonin during their courtship; Townsend addresses her as Avis.
- Stella Musgrave
Mentioned as having died two years ago on April 28; Townsend reflects on his past love for her.
Key passages
“Some two weeks earlier I would have scoffed at the notion of such a thing coming to pass; and I could have demonstrated, logically enough, that it was impossible for Robert Etheridge Townsend, with his keen knowledge of the world and of the innumerable vanities and whims of womankind, ever again to go the way of all flesh. But the problem, like the puzzle of the Eleatic philosophers, had solved itself. "Achilles cannot catch the tortoise," but he does. It was impossible for me to fall uncomfortably deep in love—but I had done so.”
Two weeks ago, I would have laughed at the idea of falling in love, thinking my worldly wisdom made it impossible. Yet, like the paradox of Achilles and the tortoise, the impossible happened—I fell deeply in love.
Townsend reflects on his unexpected romantic transformation, using a philosophical paradox to illustrate his change of heart.
“"Avis—" "You must not call me that." "Why not? It's your name, isn't it?" "Yes—to my friends." "Aren't we friends—Avis?" "We! We have not known each other long enough, Mr. Townsend."”
Townsend tries to use Margaret's alias 'Avis' familiarly, but she resists, insisting they are not yet close enough for such intimacy.
The playful yet formal exchange highlights the developing intimacy between Townsend and Margaret, with her using a pseudonym.
“"I shall always think of you as a very, very dear friend. But it is quite impossible we should ever be anything else." "And why, Avis?" "Because—" "That"—after an interval—"strikes me as rather a poor reason. So, suppose we say this June?"”
Margaret claims they can only be friends, but Townsend dismisses her vague objection and proposes a June wedding instead.
Townsend's persistence in courtship, pushing past Margaret's initial resistance toward a concrete engagement timeline.
