The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
There Is Comfort at Plumstead explained
Major Grantly arrives at Plumstead with the news that Mr.
What happens
Major Grantly arrives at Plumstead with the news that Mr. Crawley is innocent of stealing the cheque, as Mrs. Arabin has confessed from Venice that she gave it to him. The archdeacon, though initially reluctant, begins to accept the Crawleys, and the family reconciles over dinner. Plans are made to visit Hogglestock and clear Mr. Crawley's name.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Duty
The Grantly family reconciles as the archdeacon fulfills his promise to accept Grace, and Major Grantly shows duty by sharing news and deferring to his father.
Justice and Injustice
Mr. Crawley's innocence is revealed, correcting the earlier injustice of his accusation and impending trial.
Pride and Humility
The archdeacon struggles with his pride but humbles himself to accept the Crawleys, while Major Grantly humbly seeks reconciliation.
Characters to notice
- Major Grantly
Brings the news of Mr. Crawley's innocence and reconciles with his father.
- Archdeacon Grantly
Initially shy about the Crawleys but gradually accepts them, promising to welcome Grace.
- Mrs. Grantly
Facilitates reconciliation between father and son, and expresses desire to see Grace Crawley.
- Mr. Crawley
Proved innocent of the theft; the cheque came from Mrs. Arabin.
- Thomas Toogood
The lawyer who investigated the cheque and uncovered the truth; plans to visit Hogglestock.
- Grace Crawley
Mentioned as the intended wife of Major Grantly; archdeacon agrees to have her visit.
Key passages
“It has all come out. He got the cheque from my aunt.”
The truth is now known: Mr. Crawley received the cheque from Mrs. Arabin.
Major Grantly announces the resolution of the mystery.
“Say something to your father about the property after dinner... something to show that you are interested about his affairs.”
Mrs. Grantly advises her son to discuss estate matters with his father to demonstrate filial interest.
A strategic suggestion to ease family tensions.
“If he is to marry her, we might as well have her over here.”
Since the marriage is inevitable, we should invite Grace to stay with us.
The archdeacon accepts Grace Crawley into the family.