# XLV explained — The Perpetual Curate

> Chapter companion for The Perpetual Curate by Margaret Oliphant.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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