The Old Wives’ Tale · Chapter
Revolution explained
Constance and Samuel Povey return from their honeymoon to take over the Baines household after Mrs.
What happens
Constance and Samuel Povey return from their honeymoon to take over the Baines household after Mrs. Baines's departure. Constance faces the shock of Maggie's resignation, and later receives a visit from her mother, who comes alone due to Aunt Harriet's illness. The chapter explores Constance's adjustment to married life and her evolving relationship with her mother and husband.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Domesticity
Constance and Samuel navigate their new roles as husband and wife, managing the household and shop.
Change and Modernity
The 'revolution' of the chapter title reflects the upheaval of Mrs. Baines's departure, Maggie's resignation, and Constance's new domestic authority.
Motherhood and Family Dynamics
Constance's evolving relationship with her mother, and Mrs. Baines's forced cheerfulness in the face of Aunt Harriet's illness.
Characters to notice
- Constance Baines
Newly married, adjusting to her role as house-mistress, and dealing with Maggie's resignation.
- Samuel Povey
Bridegroom, takes charge of the shop, and tries to appear at ease in the marital bedroom.
- Mrs. Baines
Has moved to Axe to live with Aunt Harriet; returns for a visit, showing signs of aging and fussiness.
- Maggie Hollins
Gives notice to leave after many years of service, surprising Constance.
- Aunt Harriet
Ill with mysterious pains, unable to accompany Mrs. Baines on her visit.
- Fan
The dog, enters the parlour during the visit.
Key passages
“"Well," said Mr. Povey, rising from the rocking chair that in a previous age had been John Baines's, "I've got to make a start some time, so I may as well begin now!"”
Samuel Povey decides to begin his work in the shop without further delay.
Shows Samuel's practical and decisive character as he takes over the business.
“Constance guessed little of the secret anguish of that departure. She only knew that it was just like her mother, having perfectly arranged the entire house for the arrival of the honeymoon couple from Buxton, to flit early away so as to spare the natural blushing diffidence of the said couple.”
Constance did not realize how painful it was for her mother to leave; she thought Mrs. Baines had simply left early to avoid embarrassing the newlyweds.
Highlights Constance's naivety and Mrs. Baines's self-sacrificing nature.
“"I begs to give one month's notice to leave. Signed Maggie. June 10, 1867."”
Maggie formally announces her intention to quit her job in one month.
Maggie's resignation is a shocking event that disrupts Constance's expectations of domestic stability.
“She had the greatest admiration for his qualities, and he was in her eyes an indivisible whole; she could not admire one part of him and frown upon another. Whatever he did was good because he did it.”
Constance admired everything about Samuel and saw no flaws in him; his actions were always justified in her eyes.
Illustrates Constance's idealistic view of her husband early in their marriage.