# Lily Dale Goes to London explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

The squire announces Bernard Dale's engagement to Emily Dunstable, an heiress with twenty thousand pounds and connections to Dr. Thorne's wife. Lily Dale and her mother react with delight. Later, John Eames visits and explains his upcoming journey to Italy on behalf of Mr. Crawley, seeking evidence from Dean Arabin. Lily speaks warmly to John, praising his generosity, but he leaves without a private moment to speak of his feelings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter centers on Bernard Dale's engagement to Emily Dunstable, highlighting the social and financial considerations of marriage, as well as Lily's warm but unresolved feelings toward John Eames.

### Justice and Injustice

John Eames's mission to Italy to help Mr. Crawley reflects the theme of seeking justice for an accused man, with Lily and the squire expressing belief in his innocence.

## Character check-ins

### Lily Dale

Lily is present at the Small House when the squire announces Bernard's engagement; she guesses the news and later speaks warmly to John Eames about his journey for Mr. Crawley.

### Johnny Eames

John visits the squire and Lily, explaining his trip to Italy to find Dean Arabin and help Mr. Crawley; he is praised by Lily for his generosity but leaves without a private word.

### Emily Dunstable

Emily is Bernard Dale's fiancée, an heiress with twenty thousand pounds; she is the niece of Mrs. Thorne (formerly Miss Dunstable) and is to marry Bernard in May.

### Bernard Dale

Bernard is engaged to Emily Dunstable; the squire announces the match and mentions that Bernard will inherit the old place if they wish.

### Mr. Crawley

Mr. Crawley is the subject of John Eames's journey; John is going to Italy to find Dean Arabin and gather evidence to clear him of the theft accusation.

### Mrs. Dale

Mrs. Dale is present with Lily when the squire brings the news of Bernard's engagement; she expresses delight and discusses the match.

## Key lines

> It couldn't be that such a man as that should become a thief all at once. It's not human nature, sir; is it?

John Eames argues that it is impossible for a man of Mr. Crawley's character to suddenly turn to theft, questioning the very nature of human behavior.

_John defends Mr. Crawley's innocence, asserting that such a sudden change in character defies human nature._

> I think it so good of you to go, John. But it is just like you. You were always generous.

Lily praises John for his selfless decision to travel to Italy on behalf of Mr. Crawley, noting that his generosity is characteristic of him.

_Lily's words reveal her admiration for John's character, though she has previously rejected his romantic advances._

## Links

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