The Last Post · Chapter
II explained
Marie Léonie reflects on her long, stable relationship with Mark Tietjens, her fears about the future after his death, and her observations of Christopher Tietjens.
What happens
Marie Léonie reflects on her long, stable relationship with Mark Tietjens, her fears about the future after his death, and her observations of Christopher Tietjens. She recalls the night Mark married her on his deathbed, with Christopher's help, and contemplates her duty to France and her own security.
Themes in this chapter
Duty and Sacrifice
Marie Léonie contemplates her duty to France and to herself, balancing contentment with the need to secure her future.
Class and Social Change
The Tietjens' wealth and status are contrasted with Marie Léonie's French perspective on class and inheritance.
Marriage and Morality
Mark's deathbed marriage to Marie Léonie is portrayed as a practical act, blending morality with social convention.
Characters to notice
- Marie Léonie
Ponders her past with Mark, her present contentment, and her anxieties about Christopher's future intentions.
- Mark Tietjens
Lies paralyzed; his long-term relationship with Marie Léonie is recalled, including his habits and the marriage on his deathbed.
- Christopher Tietjens
Described as clumsy but perceptive; he arranged Mark's marriage to Marie Léonie and is now the heir to Groby.
- Gunning
Hones his blade while Marie Léonie waits; he comments on Christopher's insight.
Key passages
“These arrangements appeared to her to be barbarous, but they met the views of Mark and she was thus in no position to question them.”
She found the sleeping arrangements primitive, but since Mark approved, she could not object.
Marie Léonie's acceptance of Mark's authority despite her own reservations.
“It had all then begun—all the calamities of the world had begun amidst the clamours and intoxications of that dreadful day.”
The world's troubles started on that chaotic, drunken day.
Reflects on the Armistice Day as the origin of subsequent misfortunes.
“He was the English Milor with le Spleen. She had read of him in the novels of Alexander Dumas, Paul de Kock, Eugene Sue and Ponson du Terrail.”
She saw Mark as the stereotypical English lord suffering from melancholy, as depicted in French novels.
Marie Léonie's literary framing of Mark's character.