The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Grace Crawley explained
Grace Crawley, living with the Miss Prettymans in Silverbridge, writes to her friend Lily Dale about the accusation against her father, Mr.
What happens
Grace Crawley, living with the Miss Prettymans in Silverbridge, writes to her friend Lily Dale about the accusation against her father, Mr. Crawley, for taking money that does not belong to him. The Miss Prettymans show great kindness, but Miss Anne Prettyman worries that the scandal may deter Major Grantly from proposing to Grace. Major Grantly arrives at the house, seeking to speak with Miss Prettyman.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Suffering
Mr. Crawley's poverty and the family's suffering are central, as Grace describes her father's life of misfortune and the shame of the accusation.
Gossip and Public Opinion
The scandal is widely discussed in Silverbridge and has reached the newspapers, influencing perceptions of the Crawley family and potentially affecting Major Grantly's intentions.
Family and Duty
Grace's loyalty to her father and her concern for her mother's distress highlight family bonds and duty in the face of adversity.
Characters to notice
- Grace Crawley
Grace is staying with the Miss Prettymans and writes to Lily Dale about her father's accusation. She is distressed but loyal to her father.
- Lily Dale
Grace's friend from Allington, to whom Grace writes a letter pouring out her heart about the family's troubles.
- Mr. Crawley
Grace's father, accused of taking money that does not belong to him, though Grace insists he is innocent.
- Major Grantly
A suitor to Grace; Miss Anne Prettyman fears the scandal may cause him to change his mind. He arrives at the Miss Prettymans' house.
- Miss Prettyman
The elder Miss Prettyman, who shows great kindness to Grace and her family, offering a home to Grace, her mother, and Jane if needed.
- Johnny Eames
Grace's cousin in London, who is in love with Lily Dale, though Lily has not returned his affection.
Key passages
“If he had only popped, it would have been all right. He would never have gone back from his word.”
If Major Grantly had proposed to Grace before the scandal broke, he would have been honor-bound to marry her.
Miss Anne Prettyman expresses regret that Major Grantly did not propose earlier, as the scandal may now deter him.
“I know I ought not to take it; if I was not here, there would be no one in my place.”
Grace feels uncomfortable accepting payment from the Miss Prettymans because she believes she is not essential to the school.
Grace's modesty and sense of propriety are shown when she is given a stipend by the Miss Prettymans.