The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
The Bayswater Romance explained
John Eames hurries from Lily Dale's lodgings to visit Miss Demolines in Porchester Terrace.
What happens
John Eames hurries from Lily Dale's lodgings to visit Miss Demolines in Porchester Terrace. He feels both ashamed and proud of his double life, enjoying the Bayswater romance while remaining ostensibly constant to Lily. Madalina Demolines confronts him about his relationship with Lily Dale and his broken promise regarding the time of his visit. She also warns him about Conway Dalrymple's portrait of Mrs. Dobbs Broughton, revealing that Mrs. Van Siever has heard of it. Eames later visits Dalrymple, who warns him that his flirtation with Madalina may lead to an engagement.
Themes in this chapter
Gossip and Public Opinion
Madalina Demolines has heard about Johnny's love for Lily Dale through Maria Clutterbuck, and warns that Mrs. Van Siever knows about Dalrymple's portrait, showing how secrets circulate among servants and acquaintances.
Love and Marriage
Johnny's internal conflict between his constancy to Lily and his flirtation with Madalina highlights the tension between genuine love and romantic amusement. Dalrymple warns that the Bayswater romance could lead to an unwanted engagement.
Characters to notice
- Johnny Eames
Hurries from Lily Dale to visit Miss Demolines, feeling both ashamed and proud of his Bayswater romance. He is confronted about his relationship with Lily and warned about Dalrymple's picture.
- Lily Dale
Johnny leaves her lodgings after visiting with her uncle; she expressed gladness at his upcoming continental journey.
- Miss Demolines
Madalina confronts Johnny about his broken promise and his relationship with Lily Dale, and warns him about the consequences of Dalrymple's portrait of Mrs. Dobbs Broughton.
- Conway Dalrymple
Johnny visits him late at night; Dalrymple warns Johnny that his flirtation with Madalina may lead to an engagement.
- Mrs. Dobbs Broughton
Mentioned in connection with Dalrymple's portrait; Madalina warns that Mrs. Van Siever has heard of it and that Maria Clutterbuck is infatuated.
Key passages
“Love is one thing and amusement is another”
Romantic love and playful flirtation are separate matters.
Johnny justifies his simultaneous attentions to Lily Dale and Madalina Demolines by distinguishing between true love and mere entertainment.
“If she be not fair for me, what care I how fair she be.”
If she is not meant for me, I need not worry about her beauty.
Johnny sings this line to excuse his fickleness in visiting Miss Demolines while supposedly devoted to Lily.
“I think I have been quite kind enough. As you observed yourself just now, it is nearly eleven o'clock, and I must ask you to go away.”
I have been sufficiently gracious; it is late, and you should leave now.
Madalina dismisses Johnny after their tense conversation, using his own mention of the hour against him.