# XLIV: “I Suppose I Must Let You Have It.” explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

Adolphus Crosbie, burdened by debts from his marriage to Lady Alexandrina and the De Courcy family, approaches his colleague Mr. Butterwell to borrow £500. After a tense negotiation, Butterwell reluctantly agrees, and Crosbie feels immense relief, contemplating a possible reconciliation with Lily Dale.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Suffering

Crosbie's financial desperation and emotional distress highlight the theme of poverty and suffering, as he contemplates ruin and even suicide.

### Pride and Humility

Crosbie humbles himself to borrow money, contrasting with his earlier pride, and later feels relief and hope.

### Love and Marriage

Crosbie's failed marriage to Lady Alexandrina and his lingering hope for Lily Dale underscore the theme of love and marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Adolphus Crosbie

Desperate to avoid dishonor, Crosbie borrows £500 from Butterwell, revealing his financial ruin and emotional turmoil.

### Mr. Butterwell

Reluctantly lends Crosbie £500, despite personal dislike and concern about his wife's disapproval.

### Lily Dale

Crosbie hopes to win her back, thinking of her after securing the loan.

### Mrs. Dale

Her 'freezing letter' to Crosbie is mentioned as an obstacle to his hopes for Lily.

### Sir Raffle Buffle

His voice at the corner of the street reminds Crosbie of office affairs, prompting him to seek help from Butterwell.

## Key lines

> I suppose I must let you have it.

Butterwell reluctantly agrees to lend Crosbie the money.

_This line captures the reluctant consent that resolves Crosbie's immediate crisis._

> They were genuine tears which filled Crosbie’s eyes, as he seized hold of the senior’s hands.

Crosbie wept sincerely and grasped Butterwell's hands in gratitude.

_Shows Crosbie's emotional relief and vulnerability after securing the loan._

## Links

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- 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