# XXVI explained — The Perpetual Curate

> Chapter companion for The Perpetual Curate by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

Frank Wentworth, agitated by the disappearance of Rosa Elsworthy, confronts Tom Wodehouse (the bearded man) in his room at Mrs. Hadwin's. He accuses Wodehouse of involvement, but Wodehouse denies any knowledge. Sarah, the maid, admits she gave Wodehouse a key to the little door for his morning walks. Mrs. Hadwin, observing Frank's distress, suspects he is entangled with Rosa.

## Themes in this chapter

### Scandal and Gossip

The disappearance of Rosa Elsworthy fuels gossip and suspicion, with Sarah and Mrs. Hadwin both assuming the worst about Frank's involvement.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Judgment

Frank, a clergyman, is quick to judge Wodehouse, while Mrs. Hadwin and Sarah judge Frank based on mere rumor, revealing a community quick to condemn.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Wentworth

Agitated and accusatory, he confronts Wodehouse about Rosa Elsworthy's disappearance, fearing for his own honour.

### Tom Wodehouse

Sullen and defensive, he denies any involvement with Rosa and claims he is staying only for Frank's brother's sake.

### Sarah

The housemaid admits to giving Wodehouse the key to the little door for his morning walks, fearing Mrs. Hadwin's anger.

### Mrs. Hadwin

Curious and suspicious, she believes Frank is under the sway of Rosa Elsworthy and feels pity for him.

## Key lines

> It’s something about Rosa Elsworthy, ma’am; she’s gone off with someone, which nothing else was to be expected; and her uncle’s been a-raving and a-raging at Mr. Wentworth, which proves as a gentleman should never take no notice of them shopgirls.

Sarah tells Mrs. Hadwin that Rosa Elsworthy has run away with someone, and her uncle is furious at Mr. Wentworth, implying that gentlemen should avoid shopgirls.

_Sarah spreads gossip about Rosa's disappearance and blames Frank._

> Where is she? where have you hid her? If you do not give her up, I must give you up to justice. Do you hear me? where is Rosa Elsworthy? This is a matter that touches my honour, and I must know the truth.

Frank demands that Wodehouse reveal Rosa's whereabouts, threatening to turn him over to the authorities, as his own honor is at stake.

_Frank's intense interrogation reveals his fear of scandal damaging his reputation._

## Links

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