The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
LXXIV: The Crawleys Are Informed explained
Major Grantly and Mr.
What happens
Major Grantly and Mr. Toogood travel to Hogglestock to inform Mr. Crawley that the source of the cheque has been discovered: Mrs. Arabin inadvertently placed it in an envelope with notes. Mr. Crawley is relieved and vindicated, and the major receives permission to court Grace. Mrs. Crawley, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of fortune, breaks down in tears of joy.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
The chapter resolves the injustice of Mr. Crawley's false accusation, as the true source of the cheque is discovered, restoring his honor.
Pride and Humility
Mr. Crawley's dignified acceptance of the news and his humble gratitude contrast with his earlier pride in his own integrity.
Family and Duty
The Crawley family's unity is emphasized as they receive the news together, and Major Grantly's duty to Grace is acknowledged by Mr. Crawley.
Characters to notice
- Major Grantly
Travels with Mr. Toogood to Hogglestock to deliver the good news; asks Mr. Crawley's permission to court Grace.
- Mr. Crawley
Receives the news of the cheque's origin with solemn gratitude; grants Major Grantly permission to address Grace.
- Thomas Toogood
Accompanies Major Grantly and is the first to communicate the glad tidings; his jocular manner is noted but his kindness is recognized.
- Jane Crawley
Present in the school when the visitors arrive; initially skeptical of Mr. Toogood but later corrected by her father.
- Grace Crawley
Not present in the chapter but is the subject of Major Grantly's request to Mr. Crawley for permission to court.
- Mrs. Crawley
Overcome with emotion upon hearing the good news; breaks down sobbing but expresses her gratitude to Major Grantly.
- Dean Arabin
Mentioned as the husband of Mrs. Arabin, who inadvertently placed the cheque in the envelope.
- Mrs. Arabin
Revealed to have slipped the cheque into the envelope with the notes, unknowingly causing Mr. Crawley's troubles.
Key passages
“Pardon me, Major Grantly; but I would not have you leave us till she has seen you.”
Mr. Crawley asks Major Grantly to stay until Mrs. Crawley can thank him.
Mr. Crawley insists on the major waiting for his wife to express her gratitude.
“It's all right, old fellow. We've got the right sow by the ear at last. We know all about it.”
Mr. Toogood announces that the mystery of the cheque has been solved.
Mr. Toogood uses a colloquial expression to convey the good news to Mr. Crawley.
“I do not even yet altogether comprehend what has been told to me.”
Mr. Crawley is slow to fully understand the revelation.
Mr. Crawley's initial confusion reflects his shock at the sudden turn of events.
“She put it into the envelope with the notes, slipped it in without saying a word to anyone.”
Mrs. Arabin inadvertently placed the cheque in the envelope without telling anyone.
Mr. Toogood explains how the cheque came to be with the dean's gift.
