The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
The Picture explained
Conway Dalrymple visits Mrs.
What happens
Conway Dalrymple visits Mrs. Dobbs Broughton to discuss his plan to paint a picture of Jael and Sisera with Clara Van Siever as the model. Clara arrives and objects to the idea, citing her mother's disapproval. Later, Mrs. Broughton confronts Dalrymple about his flirtatious behavior, insisting that as an unmarried man he cannot continue their acquaintance, and urges him to marry Clara Van Siever instead. Dalrymple reluctantly leaves.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Mrs. Broughton pressures Dalrymple to marry Clara Van Siever for stability, while Dalrymple's flirtation with Mrs. Broughton highlights the tension between romantic games and genuine attachment.
Gossip and Public Opinion
Clara fears public recognition if she sits for the painting, and Mrs. Broughton worries about the appearance of her friendship with Dalrymple.
Characters to notice
- Conway Dalrymple
Visits Mrs. Broughton to discuss his painting of Jael and Sisera, using Clara Van Siever as a model; flirts with Mrs. Broughton but is pushed to consider marrying Clara.
- Mrs. Dobbs Broughton
Hosts Dalrymple and Clara; initially supports the painting idea but later withdraws, insisting Dalrymple must marry Clara and ending their flirtation.
- Clara Van Siever
Visits Mrs. Broughton; objects to being painted as Jael, citing her mother's disapproval and her own reluctance.
- Johnny Eames
Mentioned as having criticized Dalrymple's sketch as 'confused.'
Key passages
“Croquet is a pretty game out of doors, and chess is delightful in a drawing-room. Battledoor and shuttlecock and hunt-the-slipper have also their attractions. Proverbs are good, and cross questions with crooked answers may be made very amusing. But none of these games are equal to the game of lovemaking—providing that the players can be quite sure that there shall be no heart in the matter.”
While outdoor games like croquet and indoor games like chess are enjoyable, the most thrilling game is flirtation—as long as no real emotions are involved.
The narrator compares flirtation to a game, emphasizing the danger of genuine feelings.
“I do not think you could do better, and I should be glad to see it of all things. Nothing would please me more than to bring Miss Van Siever and you together.”
Mrs. Broughton tells Dalrymple that she would be delighted to see him marry Clara Van Siever.
Mrs. Broughton explicitly encourages a match between Dalrymple and Clara.