The Nebuly Coat · Chapter
Chapter XV explained
Westray, tormented by jealousy and suspicion, resolves to propose to Anastasia Joliffe after realizing Lord Blandamer's visits to Bellevue Lodge are not merely for architectural discussions but likely to pursue Anastasia.
What happens
Westray, tormented by jealousy and suspicion, resolves to propose to Anastasia Joliffe after realizing Lord Blandamer's visits to Bellevue Lodge are not merely for architectural discussions but likely to pursue Anastasia. He decides to travel to London to consult his mother before making his move, walking through the night to catch the train.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Westray's internal conflict over marrying beneath his social station and his protective love for Anastasia, contrasted with Lord Blandamer's ambiguous intentions.
Social Class and Ambition
Westray's concern about the social disparity between himself and Anastasia, and his fear of public criticism for marrying a landlady's niece.
Secrecy and Identity
Lord Blandamer's hidden motives and Westray's suspicions about his true purpose at Bellevue Lodge.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Westray
Struggles with jealousy and suspicion regarding Lord Blandamer's intentions toward Anastasia; resolves to propose and protect her, planning a journey to London.
- Miss Anastasia Joliffe
Object of Westray's affection and concern; her indifference to news of Lord Blandamer's visit is noted.
- Lord Blandamer
Suspected by Westray of using the restoration as a pretext to court Anastasia; visits Bellevue Lodge without business pretext.
- Miss Euphemia Joliffe
Anxious about Westray's cryptic talk of a holiday; concerned about losing a lodger and friend.
- Mr. Sharnall
Mentioned as having hinted to Westray about something going on before his death.
Key passages
“Can man's deepest love be deepened? Then it must surely be by the knowledge that he is protector as well as lover, by the knowledge that he is rescuing innocence, and rescuing it for—himself.”
True love grows when a man sees himself as both protector and rescuer of the beloved, ultimately for his own sake.
Reflects Westray's rationalization of his love as a chivalrous duty.
“There is some subtle effluence of love which hovers about one who entertains a strong affection for another. Looks may be carefully guarded, speech may be framed to mislead, yet that pervading ambient of affection is strong to betray where perception is sharpened by jealousy.”
Love emits an invisible aura that reveals itself even when words and actions are controlled, especially to a jealous observer.
Describes Westray's jealous perception of Lord Blandamer's feelings for Anastasia.
“An object which had seemed at best but mildly desirable, became of singular value when he believed that another was trying to possess himself of it; jealousy had quickened love.”
Something that once seemed only moderately appealing becomes intensely precious when someone else wants it; jealousy intensified Westray's love.
Highlights the effect of rivalry on Westray's emotions.