# Mr. Crosbie Goes Into the City explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

> Chapter companion for The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Adolphus Crosbie, facing financial ruin, first attempts to borrow £500 from his colleague Mr. Butterwell, then visits the City firm of Dobbs Broughton and Musselboro to renew a bill for £250. He is rebuffed by Musselboro and a drunken Broughton, leaving his debt unpaid and his situation desperate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Reputation

Crosbie's fall from a respectable West End secretary to a supplicant in Hook Court highlights the link between financial stability and social standing.

### Poverty and Suffering

Crosbie's financial distress and humiliation in seeking money from moneylenders illustrate the suffering caused by debt.

## Character check-ins

### Adolphus Crosbie

Desperate for money, seeks a loan from Butterwell and then a bill renewal from Broughton's firm, but is refused.

### Mr. Butterwell

Crosbie's colleague, approached for a £500 loan; he is wealthy and good-natured but nervous.

### Augustus Musselboro

Sits in Broughton's chair, refuses Crosbie's request for renewal, claiming money is tight.

### Mr. Dobbs Broughton

Returns to the office half-drunk and refuses Crosbie's request, insisting the bill must be paid.

## Key lines

> I want you to lend me five hundred pounds? It must be for not less than three months.

Crosbie asks Butterwell for a £500 loan for at least three months.

_Crosbie's first desperate attempt to get money from a colleague._

> The best commercial bills going can’t be done under nine, and any other kind of paper can’t so much as get itself looked at.

Musselboro says even top-quality bills require 9% interest, and other paper is worthless.

_Musselboro explains the tight money market to Crosbie._

> Mr. Crosbie must take up his bill; that’s all.

Broughton insists Crosbie must pay the bill when due.

_Broughton's drunken refusal to renew the bill._

## Links

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