The Perpetual Curate · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Wentworth returns to Carlingford and stops at Elsworthy's shop, where he learns that Rosa has been sent away due to gossip. He insists she be brought back, but Elsworthy implies scandal. Elsworthy then reveals that Mr. Wodehouse has suffered a stroke, possibly linked to his son's reappearance. Wentworth hurries to Grange Lane, anxious yet hopeful about seeing Lucy.
Themes in this chapter
Scandal and Gossip
Elsworthy's evasiveness and the rumors about Rosa and Frank dominate the chapter, showing how gossip threatens reputations.
Hypocrisy and Moral Judgment
Elsworthy pretends to protect Frank while implying impropriety; Frank's anger reveals the double standards of clerical conduct.
Family Duty and Loyalty
Frank's anxiety about his own family's troubles merges with his concern for the Wodehouses, and he rushes to support Lucy in her crisis.
Characters to notice
- Frank Wentworth
Returns to Carlingford anxious about gossip; confronts Elsworthy over Rosa's removal; learns of Mr. Wodehouse's illness and rushes to Grange Lane.
- Mr. Elsworthy
Trembling and evasive; admits to sending Rosa away due to rumors; implies scandal about Frank and Rosa; reveals Mr. Wodehouse's stroke and hints at the son's return.
- Rosa Elsworthy
Mentioned as having been sent away by her aunt because of gossip; Frank demands her immediate return.
- Mr. Wodehouse
Has suffered a stroke; Elsworthy suggests it may be related to his son's reappearance.
- Lucy Wodehouse
Mentioned as having sent for Frank in her panic; Frank thinks of her with hope and affection as he hurries to her home.
- Mrs. Morgan
Seen briefly by Frank returning from a dinner; her appearance contrasts with his idealized image of Lucy.
Key passages
“Mr. Wentworth got back to Carlingford by a happy concurrence of trains before the town had gone to sleep.”
Frank returned to Carlingford on a convenient train just before nightfall.
Sets the scene of his return and the summer evening.
“He went along the familiar street with a certain terror of looking into people’s faces whom he met, and of asking questions, such as was natural to a man who did not know whether something of public note might not have happened in his absence to call attention to his name.”
He walked nervously, afraid to meet anyone's eyes or ask questions, dreading that some public scandal might have involved him.
Highlights Frank's anxiety about his reputation.
“I repeat, Rosa must come back, and that instantly. It is quite unnecessary to explain to you why I insist upon this, for you comprehend it.”
Frank orders Elsworthy to bring Rosa back immediately, implying that Elsworthy knows the real reason.
Shows Frank's authoritative and frustrated response to the gossip.
“Mr. Wodehouse, sir, has been took bad. There was a message up a couple of hours ago to know when you was expected home. He’s had a stroke, and they don’t think as he’ll get over it.”
Elsworthy informs Frank that Mr. Wodehouse has suffered a stroke and is not expected to recover.
Reveals the critical news that shifts Frank's focus.
“My opinion, sir, if you believe me, is, that it’s something concerning the son.”
Elsworthy suggests that Mr. Wodehouse's illness is related to his son.
Foreshadows the revelation of Tom Wodehouse.
