# Up in London explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

The chapter follows John Eames in London, a young man who has risen in status due to an inheritance and his position as private secretary to Sir Raffle Buffle. He receives a letter from Lady Julia De Guest revealing that Lily Dale has been disturbed by news of the death of Adolphus Crosbie's wife, causing her to think again of Crosbie, who had jilted her years ago. John Eames is deeply troubled by this, fearing Lily might reconcile with Crosbie. The chapter also shows Eames' interactions with his colleague Cradell, who is burdened by debt and family troubles, and highlights Eames' confidence and pride in his work at the Income-tax Office.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter explores lingering romantic feelings and the complications of past engagements, as Lily Dale is disturbed by news of Crosbie's freedom.

### Social Class and Reputation

John Eames' rise in status through inheritance and his position contrasts with Cradell's decline, highlighting class and reputation dynamics.

### Gossip and Public Opinion

The office gossip about Eames' past and the public knowledge of Crosbie's jilting of Lily Dale shape characters' perceptions and actions.

## Character check-ins

### Johnny Eames

Now a private secretary with a comfortable income and inheritance, he is troubled by news that Lily Dale may be thinking again of Crosbie.

### Lily Dale

Mentioned in Lady Julia's letter as being disturbed by the death of Crosbie's wife, causing her to think of past events.

### Lady Julia De Guest

Writes a letter to John Eames, updating him on family matters and expressing concern about Lily Dale's state of mind.

### Adolphus Crosbie

His wife Lady Alexandrina has died; he is now in legal dispute with Lady De Courcy over money, and his potential return to Lily Dale's life worries Eames.

### Mr. Cradell

An old colleague of Eames, now shabby and careworn, burdened by debt and family troubles; he seeks advice from Eames.

### Sir Raffle Buffle

Eames' chief at the Income-tax Office, who praises Eames' tact but warns him to mind his conduct.

## Key lines

> The tidings of her death disturbed her, and set her thinking of things that were fading from her mind.

The news of Lady Alexandrina's death upset Lily Dale and made her recall memories she had been letting go.

_Lady Julia's letter reveals Lily's emotional reaction to Crosbie's wife's death._

> If Lily Dale were now to marry Mr. Crosbie, anything so...

John Eames is horrified at the possibility that Lily Dale might marry Crosbie after all.

_Eames' internal reaction shows his deep concern and jealousy regarding Lily's potential reconciliation with Crosbie._

> He's about the best hand at it that I know... It isn't cleverness, so much as tact.

Sir Raffle Buffle praises Eames for his skill in writing letters, attributing it to tact rather than cleverness.

_This highlights Eames' valued role as private secretary and his pride in his work._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xv-up-in-london
- 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