# The Arabins Return to Barchester explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset > Chapter companion for The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens The chapter follows the return of the Arabins to Barchester and the ongoing struggles of Mr. Crawley, who has been cleared of theft but remains in dire poverty. The dean visits Crawley, who is still suffering from his ordeal. Meanwhile, Mr. Harding is bedridden at the deanery, and the archdeacon and Mrs. Grantly discuss the future of St. Ewold's parish, hinting at a possible refuge for Crawley. The chapter also touches on the archdeacon's reluctant acceptance of Major Grantly's engagement to Grace Crawley. ## Themes in this chapter ### Poverty and Suffering Mr. Crawley's ongoing poverty and suffering are central, as he has no money and has resigned his living, while the dean and others consider his future. ### Family and Duty The archdeacon's duty to his father-in-law Mr. Harding and his family obligations regarding St. Ewold's parish are explored, as well as the Arabins' return to care for Mr. Harding. ### Pride and Humility Mr. Crawley's pride is evident in his past refusal of direct aid, while the archdeacon's pride is challenged by the prospect of accepting the Crawley marriage. ## Character check-ins ### Mr. Crawley Still suffering from the aftermath of the theft accusation; has resigned Hogglestock living; meets Dean Arabin and is described as hot and wiping sweat from his forehead after walking from Hoggle End. ### Dean Arabin Returns to Barchester and visits Mr. Crawley; reflects on past painful interactions with Crawley and Mrs. Crawley; expresses joy that Crawley has been cleared. ### Archdeacon Grantly Visits Mr. Harding at the deanery; discusses Mr. Crawley's future and St. Ewold's parish; shows reluctance but is gradually accepting Major Grantly's engagement. ### Mrs. Grantly Accompanies the archdeacon to the deanery; gently suggests St. Ewold's as a refuge for Mr. Crawley; concerned about her father Mr. Harding's health. ### Mr. Harding Bedridden at the deanery; weak in his legs and believes he will never stand again; expresses joy at the news of Mrs. Arabin's return and Mr. Crawley's innocence. ### Jane Crawley Meets Dean Arabin at the school; tells him her father has gone to Hoggle End and that he is sometimes better and sometimes worse. ## Key lines > Verily the news came in time, Arabin; but it was a narrow pinch—a narrow pinch. Mr. Crawley acknowledges that the news of his exoneration arrived just in time, but it was a very close call. _Crawley's relief at being cleared of the theft accusation, though he remains in a precarious state._ > I haven't thought about it. I don't like thinking of such things while the incumbent is still living. The archdeacon dismisses discussion of St. Ewold's future, saying he won't consider it while Mr. Harding is still alive. _The archdeacon's reluctance to plan for the parish after Mr. Harding's death, despite Mrs. Grantly's hint._ > I used to think sometimes, at night, that I should never see her again. That she would come back in time was all I have had to wish for. Mr. Harding confesses his fear that he would never see his daughter Nelly again, and that her return was his only wish. _Mr. Harding's emotional longing for Mrs. Arabin's return, reflecting his deep affection for her._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxxviii-the-arabins-return-to-barchester - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters