The Duke’s Children · Chapter
Miss Boncassen's River-Party. No. 2 explained
Lord Silverbridge decides not to dance after Miss Boncassen refuses him, observing her dance with Dolly Longstaff.
What happens
Lord Silverbridge decides not to dance after Miss Boncassen refuses him, observing her dance with Dolly Longstaff. He reflects on his feelings for Isabel versus Lady Mabel, considering the social and familial obstacles to a match with an American. Dolly Longstaff, smitten with Isabel, takes her to a temple and attempts to declare his love, but she playfully deflects him. The party ends in a storm, and Silverbridge offers to escort Isabel, who invites him to visit the next day.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Aristocracy
Silverbridge contrasts the social standing of Dolly Longstaff with the 'nobodies' who attend every party, highlighting the nuances of aristocratic society.
American vs. British Values
Silverbridge finds Mrs. Boncassen's nasal twang and common appearance objectionable, while Mr. Boncassen's learned dignity is more acceptable, reflecting tensions between American and British social norms.
Love vs. Duty
Silverbridge weighs his attraction to Isabel against his prior promise to his father about Mabel Grex and the financial and social advantages of a match with Mabel.
Characters to notice
- Lord Silverbridge
Decides not to dance after Miss Boncassen refuses him; reflects on his feelings for her versus Lady Mabel and considers the difficulties of marrying an American.
- Isabel Boncassen
Refuses to dance with Silverbridge but dances with Dolly Longstaff; playfully deflects Dolly's declaration of love; invites Silverbridge to visit the next day.
- Dolly Longstaff
Dances with Isabel and attempts to declare his love for her at the temple, but she responds with humor and evasion.
- Mr. Boncassen
Speaks with Silverbridge about the party and his daughter; described as a learned man with a presidential appearance.
- Mrs. Boncassen
Asks Silverbridge about Dolly Longstaff's social standing; speaks with a nasal twang that Silverbridge finds unbecoming.
Key passages
“Lord Silverbridge made up his mind that as he could not dance with Miss Boncassen he would not dance at all.”
Silverbridge decided to sit out the dancing entirely after being turned down by Isabel.
Shows his pique and focus on Isabel.
“She had flattered him—without any intention of flattery on her part. She had spoken of his intelligence and had complained that he had been too sharp to her.”
Isabel unintentionally complimented Silverbridge by calling him intelligent and too clever for her.
Highlights the dynamic between them.
“What if it were good, genuine, earnest lovemaking?”
What if his feelings for Isabel were serious and sincere?
Silverbridge questions the nature of his attraction.
“He certainly was not pledged to Lady Mabel.”
He had no formal commitment to Lady Mabel Grex.
Indicates his freedom to pursue Isabel.
“In such case there would be no unlimited income, no immediate pleasantness of magnificent life such as he knew would be poured out upon him if he were to marry Mabel Grex.”
Marrying Mabel would bring wealth and luxury, unlike a match with Isabel.
Contrasts the material benefits of the two potential marriages.
“He could afford to be independent, and gratify his own taste.”
He had enough money to follow his own preferences.
Shows his sense of financial independence.
