The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Miss Lily Dale's Resolution explained
Lily Dale receives a letter from Adolphus Crosbie, who expresses his enduring love and proposes reconciliation after his wife's death.
What happens
Lily Dale receives a letter from Adolphus Crosbie, who expresses his enduring love and proposes reconciliation after his wife's death. Mrs. Dale is conflicted, fearing the marriage would degrade Lily, but Lily ultimately decides to read the letter, showing her lingering feelings and her resolve to face the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Crosbie's letter and Lily's reaction explore themes of enduring love, forgiveness, and the possibility of remarriage after a painful past.
Gossip and Public Opinion
Mrs. Dale's concern about the social degradation of a marriage to Crosbie reflects the power of public opinion and reputation.
Characters to notice
- Lily Dale
Lily is patient and perceptive, sensing her mother's distress over a letter. She ultimately decides to read Crosbie's letter, revealing her unresolved feelings.
- Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Dale receives Crosbie's letter and struggles with whether to show it to Lily, fearing the consequences of a renewed relationship.
- Grace Crawley
Grace is present at breakfast and during the day, but leaves the room, allowing Lily to speak privately with her mother.
- Adolphus Crosbie
Crosbie writes a letter to Mrs. Dale expressing his enduring love for Lily and his desire to reconcile after his wife's death.
Key passages
“I have no scheme formed in my head for seeing your daughter again. How can I dare to form a scheme, when I am aware that the chance of success must be so strong against me? But if you will tell me that there can be a gleam of hope, I will obey any commands that you can put upon me in any way that you may point out.”
Crosbie admits he has no plan to see Lily but asks Mrs. Dale for any sign of hope, promising to follow her instructions.
Crosbie's humble plea for a chance at reconciliation.
“Mamma, from whom was that other letter which you got this morning?”
Lily asks her mother about the letter she received earlier.
Lily's direct inquiry about the letter that disturbed her mother.