# A New Flirtation explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset

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

## What happens

John Eames returns to London and engages in a flirtatious correspondence with Miss Demolines, visiting her at Porchester Terrace. She reveals that Conway Dalrymple is painting Clara Van Siever as Jael, which she deems improper and seeks Eames's help to stop. Meanwhile, Eames clashes with his superior, Sir Raffle Buffle, over punctuality and office duties, asserting his independence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gossip and Public Opinion

Miss Demolines spreads gossip about Dalrymple's painting and the Dobbs Broughtons' financial instability, reflecting the power of rumor in society.

### Pride and Humility

Johnny Eames asserts his pride against Sir Raffle's bullying, refusing to pretend belief in his lies, while Sir Raffle's pride is wounded by Johnny's defiance.

## Character check-ins

### Johnny Eames

Returns to London, corresponds with Miss Demolines, visits her, and later confronts Sir Raffle Buffle at the office.

### Miss Demolines

Engages in a mysterious flirtation with Johnny, reveals details about Dalrymple's painting of Clara Van Siever, and seeks his help to stop it.

### Conway Dalrymple

Mentioned as painting Clara Van Siever as Jael, which Miss Demolines considers improper.

### Clara Van Siever

Sitting for Dalrymple's painting of Jael, causing Miss Demolines's concern.

### Sir Raffle Buffle

Johnny's superior at the office; they have a tense exchange over punctuality and work expectations.

### Thomas Toogood

Johnny plans to dine with him in Tavistock Square, describing him as a good fellow.

## Key lines

> What’s the use of paying two guineas for a dinner with fellows you see every day of your life?

Johnny questions the value of spending money on a dinner with colleagues he meets regularly.

_Reflects Johnny's pragmatic and somewhat dismissive attitude toward social obligations._

> I’m not going to stand it, and he may as well know that at once. If he ever wants anything really done, I’ll do it;—though it should take me twelve hours at a stretch. But I’m not going to pretend to believe all the lies he tells me about the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Johnny resolves to do his work diligently but refuses to feign belief in Sir Raffle's exaggerated claims.

_Highlights Johnny's integrity and resistance to sycophancy in the workplace._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xxxix-a-new-flirtation
- 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