The Perpetual Curate · Chapter
VI explained
Miss Dora Wentworth continues to defend Frank's actions while Miss Leonora grows suspicious after visiting his schoolroom and finding a copy of Thomas à Kempis with Catholic prints.
What happens
Miss Dora Wentworth continues to defend Frank's actions while Miss Leonora grows suspicious after visiting his schoolroom and finding a copy of Thomas à Kempis with Catholic prints. The aunts observe Frank entering Elsworthy's shop, where the clerk hints at Mr. Wodehouse's illness and suggests a memorial window for St. Roque's. Frank, recovering from his earlier despair over Skelmersdale, looks forward to seeing Lucy that evening.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Conflict and Clerical Life
Miss Leonora's discovery of Catholic prints and Thomas à Kempis in Frank's schoolroom highlights the tension between High Church practices and Protestant sensibilities.
Scandal and Gossip
Elsworthy's insinuations about Frank's aunts and his commentary on Mr. Wodehouse's health reflect the pervasive gossip in Carlingford.
Family Duty and Loyalty
Miss Dora's tearful defense of Frank and Miss Leonora's critical scrutiny both stem from a sense of familial responsibility.
Characters to notice
- Dora Wentworth
Defends Frank tearfully, claiming he meant well, and tries to obscure Miss Leonora's suspicions.
- Leonora Wentworth
Inspects Frank's schoolroom, finds Catholic materials, and grows more disapproving of his High Church practices.
- Frank Wentworth
Visits Elsworthy's shop, learns of Mr. Wodehouse's illness, and feels renewed hope about seeing Lucy.
- Mr. Elsworthy
The clerk at St. Roque's, who gossips about Frank's aunts and hints at Mr. Wodehouse's illness as an opportunity for a memorial window.
- Rosa Elsworthy
The pretty young niece of Mr. Elsworthy, who gazes at Frank with awe.
- Lucy Wodehouse
Mentioned as the object of Frank's thoughts; he looks forward to seeing her that evening.
- Mr. Wodehouse
Reported by Elsworthy to be unwell, described as a stout man at risk of sudden illness.
Key passages
“I am sure dear Frank did not mean it”
Miss Dora insists Frank had no ill intent.
Shows her loyalty and attempt to mitigate Miss Leonora's anger.
“He did not mean what? to do his duty and save souls?”
Miss Leonora sarcastically questions what else Frank could have meant.
Highlights her disapproval of Frank's actions.
“I wish you your 'ealth and 'appiness, sir, if all as I hear is true.”
Elsworthy offers a good wish to Frank based on rumors about his prospects.
Reflects the clerk's nosy and familiar manner.
“It would be a sad thing for his family, sir”
Elsworthy comments on the potential loss of Mr. Wodehouse.
Foreshadows Mr. Wodehouse's illness and its impact.