The Perpetual Curate · Chapter
XLV explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Morgan's silent displeasure at the Rectory gives way to reconciliation after the Rector reveals his plan to offer the living to Frank Wentworth. Meanwhile, a suspicious cab lingers near Wharfside, and Mrs. Morgan's thoughts turn to the practicalities of leaving Carlingford.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Judgment
Mrs. Morgan's initial silent treatment and later emotional reconciliation reveal the moral posturing and self-justification within the clerical household.
Social Class and Reputation
The Morgans' concern over the living, furniture, and social standing reflects the importance of reputation and class in Carlingford.
Love and Marriage
The Morgans' marital dynamics, including their quarrel and reconciliation, underscore the complexities of married life.
Characters to notice
- Frank Wentworth
Mentioned as the likely recipient of the Rectory living; his affairs are reaching a crisis.
- Mrs. Morgan
Initially cold and silent toward her husband, she later reconciles after learning of his plan to offer the living to Frank.
- Mr. Morgan
The Rector, anxious about his wife's silence, eventually reveals his intention to offer the living to Frank, restoring harmony.
- Mr. Proctor
Visits the Rectory, discusses his new living, and inadvertently becomes an audience to the Morgans' tension.
- Jack Wentworth
Seen with Wodehouse after visiting the Miss Wodehouses.
- Mr. Leeson
Arrives early for dinner at the Rectory.
Key passages
“Mr. Morgan knows I never take any part in the gossip of Carlingford,” she said to Mr. Proctor, without any intention of wounding that good man; and he who had been in the midst of something about Mr. Wentworth came to an abrupt stop with the sense of having shown himself as a gossip, which was very injurious to his dignity.”
Mrs. Morgan rebuffs Mr. Proctor by claiming she avoids gossip, causing him to feel embarrassed for discussing Mr. Wentworth.
Mrs. Morgan uses her moral stance to subtly criticize her husband and silence Mr. Proctor.
“One man labours, and another enters into his labours.”
One person works hard, and another reaps the benefits.
Mrs. Morgan reflects on the possibility of leaving the Rectory and losing the fruits of her efforts.
“Oh, William, I have been such a wretch—I have been thinking—but now you are heaping coals of fire on his head,” she cried, with a hysterical sound in her throat.”
Mrs. Morgan confesses her guilt and praises her husband's generosity toward Frank, feeling overwhelmed with emotion.
Her dramatic repentance highlights the intensity of her earlier resentment and relief.