XXXII: In the Church at Glenalla explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  Ethne's decision to send Feversham away and marry the blind Durrance is a profound act of self-sacrifice, driven by her love for both men and her desire not to spoil another life.

• Memory and Regret

  Feversham reflects on the bitter words Ethne spoke long ago, which he thought he would hear at his death. Now he knows her final words to him will be those of grace and understanding, transforming his regret into a sense of redemption.

• Suffering and Endurance

  Feversham's six years of trial, loneliness, and bodily pain are acknowledged as having borne fruit, giving him strength and making Ethne's parting words meaningful.

Characters to notice

• Ethne Eustace

  Resolutely decides to send Feversham away despite her love for him, believing it is necessary to protect Durrance. She speaks with an even voice, having prepared her speech, and finds comfort in the idea of a reunion after death.

• Harry Feversham

  Listens to Ethne's words with deep emotion, feeling his years of suffering have been redeemed. He accepts her decision to part, understanding her reasons and feeling remorse for the unhappiness he has caused.

• Durrance

  Mentioned as the man Ethne is to marry. He is blind, a fact that explains Ethne's decision. He is described as being very quick and perceptive, which is why Ethne fears he would guess the truth about her feelings for Feversham.

• Lieutenant Sutch

  Mentioned by Feversham as being at Suakin and trying to organize his escape. Ethne suggests Durrance may have been the reason Sutch was there.

Key passages

• “I am glad that you remembered our drive and what we said. It is rather important to me that you should remember. Because, although I have got you back, I am going to send you away from me again.”

  Ethne is glad Harry remembers their past conversation, as it is important to her. She tells him that even though he has returned, she must send him away again.

  Ethne initiates the difficult conversation, setting the stage for her decision to part.

• “We both understand that this second parting, hard as it is, is still a very slight, small thing compared with the other, our first parting over at the house six years ago.”

  Ethne says that this second separation, though difficult, is minor compared to their first parting six years ago, which was marked by a great barrier between them.

  Ethne contextualizes their current pain within the larger tragedy of their past, suggesting progress and healing.

• “But you have broken the barrier down by all your pain and bravery during these last years. I am no less sure of that. I am absolutely confident about it, and I believe you are too. So that although we shall not see one another here and as long as we live, the afterwards is quite sure for us both.”

  Ethne tells Harry that his suffering and bravery have broken down the barrier that separated them, and she is confident they will be reunited in the afterlife, even if they cannot be together in this life.

  Ethne offers Harry spiritual reassurance, framing their separation as temporary and their eventual reunion as certain.

• “He is blind. ... He, of all men, blind!”

  Feversham exclaims in shock when Ethne tells him that Durrance is blind, emphasizing the tragedy of a man like Durrance losing his sight.

  This revelation explains Ethne's motivation for marrying Durrance and highlights the theme of sacrifice.

• “I was determined that a second should not be. And so when Colonel Durrance went blind—you know the man he was, you can understand what blindness meant to him, the loss of everything he cared for— Except you.”

  Ethne explains that she was determined not to let another man's life be ruined because of her, so when Durrance went blind, she decided to marry him, as he had lost everything except her.

  Ethne clarifies her reasoning for marrying Durrance, showing her sense of duty and selflessness.