# VI explained — The Perpetual Curate

> Chapter companion for The Perpetual Curate by Margaret Oliphant.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters