The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Mr. Toogood at Silverbridge explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Toogood travels to Silverbridge with a telegram from Mrs. Arabin revealing that she gave Mr. Crawley the cheque, clearing him of theft. He shares the news with Mr. Walker, whose household spreads it through Silverbridge. Major Grantly learns of the development and agrees to eventually inform Mr. Crawley.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
The revelation that Mr. Crawley did not steal the cheque brings a turning point toward justice after prolonged suffering.
Gossip and Public Opinion
The news of Mr. Crawley's innocence spreads rapidly through Silverbridge via servants and townspeople, illustrating the power of gossip.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Toogood
Arrives in Silverbridge with the telegram from Mrs. Arabin, determined to clear Mr. Crawley.
- John Walker
Silverbridge solicitor who receives the news from Toogood and discusses the implications.
- Major Grantly
Informed by Mr. Walker about the clearing of Mr. Crawley; agrees to eventually bring the news to Hogglestock.
- Mr. Crawley
The innocent party; the chapter reveals the source of the cheque that exonerates him.
- Mrs. Arabin
Sent the telegram from Venice confessing she gave the cheque to Mr. Crawley.
Key passages
“I gave cheque to Mr. Crawley. It was part of a sum of money. Will write to Archdeacon Grantly today, and return home at once.”
Mrs. Arabin telegraphed that she gave the cheque to Mr. Crawley as part of a larger sum, and she would write to the archdeacon and come home immediately.
This telegram is the key evidence that clears Mr. Crawley.
“Poor devil! I wonder whether any man ever suffered so much before. And as for that woman—it's ten thousand pities that she should have died before she heard it.”
Toogood reflects on Mr. Crawley's immense suffering and regrets that Mrs. Proudie died before learning the truth.
Shows Toogood's sympathy and the irony of Mrs. Proudie's death.