The Small House at Allington · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope.
Chapter 1
The Squire of Allington
This chapter introduces the Great House at Allington and its owner, Christopher Dale, the squire. It describes the history of the Dale family, their adherence to a 'religion' of preserving the estate without entail, and the character of the current squire—a man shaped by an unrequited love and a failed political ambition as a Liberal. The chapter also details the physical setting of the house, gardens, church, and village, establishing the rural, traditional world of Allington.
Chapter 2
The Two Pearls of Allington
This chapter introduces the two Dale sisters, Lily and Bell, and their life at the Small House in Allington. It details the family's relationship with Squire Christopher Dale, who provides them with a rent-free home and social advantages. The chapter also introduces Mr. Crosbie, a 'swell' from London, and contrasts him with the humble clerk John Eames. A croquet game reveals tensions and flirtations, while the narrative explores the dynamics of class, family obligation, and the sisters' differing views on men and marriage.
Chapter 3
The Widow Dale of Allington
This chapter introduces Mrs. Dale, the widow living at the Small House in Allington, and explores her complex relationship with her brother-in-law, the squire. It delves into her pride, her sacrifices for her daughters, and her quiet struggles with her position. The evening concludes with a moonlit return from the Great House, where Lily's playful teasing of Mr. Crosbie and her inadvertent mention of Dr. Crofts cause a moment of tension with Bell.
Chapter 4
Mrs. Roper's Boardinghouse
John Eames, now a clerk in London, lives at Mrs. Roper's boardinghouse. He remains secretly devoted to Lily Dale, though his friend Cradell teases him about flirting with Amelia Roper. The chapter explores Eames's unrequited love, his modest income, and the questionable respectability of the boardinghouse.
Chapter 5
About L. D.
John Eames returns to Allington for his holiday, hoping to see Lily Dale, but upon arrival he learns from Mrs. Dale and Bell that Lily is engaged to Mr. Crosbie. The news devastates him, and he flees before Lily can enter. The chapter also contrasts Eames's London entanglements—particularly with Amelia Roper—with his enduring love for Lily, and follows Crosbie's arrival at Allington with no fixed plans beyond his stay.
Chapter 6
Beautiful Days
Lily Dale is engaged to Adolphus Crosbie, whom she adores as an Apollo. Her happiness is complete, supported by her mother and sister Bell, who approve of the match. Meanwhile, Bernard Dale and the squire discuss Bernard's proposal to Bell, with the squire hinting at financial considerations.
Chapter 7
The Beginning of Troubles
Crosbie begins to have doubts about his engagement to Lily, questioning the sacrifice of his bachelor life and the lack of a dowry. He resolves to confront Squire Dale about Lily's fortune, while Lily herself worries she is not showing enough affection. At dinner, Crosbie directly asks the squire about financial support, and the squire bluntly refuses to provide any fortune for his niece.
Chapter 8
It Cannot Be
The chapter details preparations for a party at the Small House, intended to ease John Eames's reintroduction to Lily. Meanwhile, Bernard Dale proposes to Bell, but she firmly refuses him, stating that it 'cannot be.' The chapter ends with Lily and Crosbie interrupting the tense scene.
Chapter 9
Mrs. Dale's Little Party
The chapter describes the day of Mrs. Dale's party at the Small House. Crosbie visits alone as Bernard declines, citing his less certain romantic position. The Eames family arrives early, and John Eames struggles to congratulate Lily on her engagement. Old Mrs. Hearn complains about the squire's treatment of her cottage. The squire arrives with the Boyce family, and later Crosbie and Bernard enter through the lawn. Lily playfully curtsies to them, openly displaying her love for Crosbie, though Crosbie privately wishes she were more reserved about their engagement.
Chapter 10
X: Mrs. Lupex and Amelia Roper
The chapter details the tumultuous situation at Mrs. Roper's boarding house in Burton Crescent, focusing on the disruptive behavior of Mrs. Lupex and her jealous husband, and the romantic entanglement of Amelia Roper with John Eames. Through letters from Cradell and Amelia, John learns of the domestic chaos and Amelia's possessive claims, which deeply unsettle him, especially her mention of Lily Dale.
Chapter 11
Social Life
The chapter depicts the volatile social dynamics at Mrs. Roper's boarding house, focusing on the Lupexes' reconciliation after a quarrel, Cradell's naive involvement with Mrs. Lupex, and a fierce verbal altercation between Amelia Roper and Mrs. Lupex that exposes underlying tensions over respectability and jealousy.
Chapter 12
Lilian Dale Becomes a Butterfly
Lily and Crosbie enjoy their remaining days together, but Crosbie begins to doubt his engagement and decides to accept an invitation to Courcy Castle, rationalizing that a prolonged engagement is necessary due to Lily's lack of fortune.
Chapter 13
A Visit to Guestwick
Lily Dale rides through Guestwick with her fiancé Adolphus Crosbie, feeling triumphant and envied by the townspeople. They visit Mrs. Eames, where John Eames struggles with his jealousy and unresolved feelings for Lily. Tension arises between Lily and Crosbie over her continued friendship with John, leading to a quiet disagreement about loyalty and propriety.
Chapter 14
John Eames Takes a Walk
John Eames, troubled by a second letter from Amelia Roper and still grieving over Lily Dale, takes a solitary walk through the Guestwick woods. He wrestles with his fear of confronting Amelia and his feelings of hopelessness. During his walk, he encounters Lord De Guest, who offers him advice and friendship. The chapter ends with John writing a weak, evasive letter to Amelia and posting it.
Chapter 15
The Last Day
Lily and Crosbie spend their last day together before his departure. Crosbie, feeling trapped by his engagement, lectures Lily about financial difficulties and hints at his own doubts, while Lily remains devoted and tries to reassure him. Despite her inner turmoil, she maintains a cheerful facade for her family.
Chapter 16
Mr. Crosbie Meets an Old Clergyman on His Way to Courcy Castle
Crosbie and Bernard Dale travel from Allington to Guestwick in silence, reflecting on Lily's devotion. After parting, Crosbie arrives early in Barchester and attends cathedral service, where he meets Mr. Harding, the former warden of Hiram's Hospital. Mr. Harding shares his story of resigning from the hospital due to public criticism, and mentions his granddaughter Lady Dumbello, who is also a guest at Courcy Castle. Crosbie then proceeds to Courcy Castle.
Chapter 17
Courcy Castle
At Courcy Castle, Adolphus Crosbie navigates the social complexities of the De Courcy family, engaging in flirtatious and ambiguous conversations with Lady Alexandrina while avoiding direct discussion of his engagement to Lily Dale. The chapter also introduces the De Courcy family dynamics, including the strained relations between the earl and his sons, and the distinct personalities of the four daughters.
Chapter 18
Lily Dale's First Love-Letter
Crosbie struggles to write a love letter to Lily Dale while staying at Courcy Castle, where the Countess De Courcy and her family undermine his engagement. He debates his own feelings, torn between his affection for Lily and the allure of high society, ultimately writing a letter that fails to convey true warmth.
Chapter 19
Dr. Crofts
Dr. Crofts reflects on his unspoken love for Bell Dale, hindered by his poverty and professional uncertainty. He is unexpectedly summoned to attend Lord De Guest, who has dismissed Dr. Gruffen. During their conversation, the earl mentions that Crosbie may be courting another woman at Courcy Castle, deepening Crofts' concern for Lily Dale.
Chapter 20
John Eames Encounters Two Adventures, and Displays Great Courage in Both
John Eames, brooding over Lily Dale's engagement to Crosbie, encounters Lord De Guest being attacked by a bull and bravely rushes to his aid. Meanwhile, Lily writes a heartfelt love letter to Crosbie, full of affection and trust, and begins preparing household items for her future marriage.
Chapter 21
Mr. Plantagenet Palliser
Crosbie, at Courcy Castle, wrestles with his conscience over his engagement to Lily Dale. Influenced by the aristocratic atmosphere and the attentions of Lady Alexandrina De Courcy, he rationalizes breaking off the engagement, believing a marriage with a De Courcy would better serve his ambition. Lady Alexandrina presses him for a confession of his feelings, while Lady Julia De Guest observes his behavior with growing disapproval.
Chapter 22
XXIV: A Mother-in-Law and a Father-in-Law
Crosbie meets with the Countess De Courcy and later with the Earl to formalize his engagement to Lady Alexandrina. The Countess pressures him to break off his prior engagement with Lily Dale, and Crosbie reluctantly agrees. Lady Julia De Guest confronts Crosbie about his betrayal of Lily, but he refuses to discuss it. Crosbie receives a loving letter from Lily, deepening his regret.
Chapter 23
Adolphus Crosbie Spends an Evening at His Club
Crosbie meets his old friend Fowler Pratt at his club and confesses his engagement to Lily Dale and his subsequent decision to marry Lady Alexandrina De Courcy instead. Pratt reproaches him for his dishonorable behavior. The squire, Mr. Dale, arrives at the club seeking Crosbie, who avoids a face-to-face confrontation and sends Pratt to deliver a message, resulting in a heated exchange where Mr. Dale denounces Crosbie as a coward and scoundrel.
Chapter 24
Lord De Courcy in the Bosom of His Family
Lady Julia De Guest writes to Mr. Dale warning him that Mr. Crosbie has proposed to Lady Alexandrina De Courcy while engaged to Lily Dale. The squire goes to Courcy Castle to investigate but finds Crosbie has already left as Alexandrina's betrothed. The chapter then depicts a tense domestic scene at Courcy Castle, where Lord De Courcy angrily confronts his wife about family finances, his son George's presence, and the impending marriage, expressing contempt for Crosbie and the match.
Chapter 25
XXVII: “On My Honour, I Do Not Understand It.”
The chapter contrasts Lady Alexandrina De Courcy's pragmatic reflections on her engagement to Adolphus Crosbie with the growing unease at the Small House as Lily Dale receives a brief, unsettling note from Crosbie. Meanwhile, the squire returns to Allington with confirmation of Crosbie's betrayal, and he and Bernard Dale grapple with how to break the news to Lily.
Chapter 26
The Board
Crosbie arrives at his office to find he has been promoted to secretary, a position he would have celebrated had he not been tormented by his broken engagement to Lily Dale. He struggles to write the fatal letter to Lily, ultimately completing it late at night and posting it in the early hours.
Chapter 27
John Eames Returns to Burton Crescent
John Eames returns to London and his lodgings at Burton Crescent, dreading his encounters with Amelia Roper and the chaotic household. He confides in his friend Cradell about his heartbreak over Lily Dale's engagement to Adolphus Crosbie, while Cradell shares his own troubles with Mrs. Lupex. Eames receives a note from Amelia and reluctantly goes to meet her in the back parlour.
Chapter 28
XXX: Is It from Him?
The chapter depicts the aftermath of Crosbie's betrayal. The squire and Bernard discuss Crosbie's villainy, while at the Small House, Lily receives the fatal letter through her mother. Despite her initial composure, Lily breaks down, forgiving Crosbie but acknowledging the loss of her brightest hopes.
Chapter 29
The Wounded Fawn
Nearly two months after Crosbie's betrayal, Lily Dale struggles to recover from her broken engagement. She displays remarkable courage, initially standing firm before collapsing into illness, then rising again with renewed strength. She openly tells her mother she will always love Crosbie but insists she can bear the pain. Mrs. Dale hopes time will heal Lily and secretly wishes for John Eames. Meanwhile, the squire and Bernard Dale fume over Crosbie's escape from punishment, lamenting that duels are no longer possible. Crosbie himself faces social consequences, feeling watched by the De Courcys and quarreling with the Honourable John, while Mortimer Gazebee's hospitality becomes a burden.
Chapter 30
Pawkins's in Jermyn Street
John Eames dines with Lord De Guest and Colonel Orlando Dale at Pawkins's Hotel. The dinner is dull and the colonel is taciturn, but afterward the earl offers Eames his patronage and encouragement to pursue Lily Dale, advising him to visit Guestwick for Christmas and then speak to the squire about his intentions. Eames leaves feeling transformed and hopeful.
Chapter 31
The Time Will Come
The squire learns that John Eames is staying at Guestwick Manor and is invited to dine there. Lord De Guest attempts to persuade the squire to support a match between Johnny and Lily, but the squire is reserved. Meanwhile, Lily feels sore and wounded at the thought of being discussed, and Bernard Dale avoids meeting Crosbie in London.
Chapter 32
The Combat
John Eames encounters Adolphus Crosbie at a railway station and physically attacks him, delivering a black eye as punishment for Crosbie's betrayal of Lily Dale. The altercation is broken up by railway officials, but Crosbie, humiliated and unwilling to press charges, retreats while Eames feels vindicated.
Chapter 33
Vae Victis
Crosbie, nursing a black eye from his altercation with John Eames, attempts to conceal his injury from his colleagues and the De Courcy family. He stays home for two days, writing notes to his office and to Lady Amelia Gazebee, but a newspaper account of the incident forces him to appear publicly. At a dinner with the Gazebees, he provokes tension by mocking the De Courcy lineage, signaling his growing rebellion against their authority. Later, Butterwell confronts him about his behavior toward Lily Dale, offering no comfort for his moral failings.
Chapter 34
XXXVI: “See, the Conquering Hero Comes.”
John Eames returns to his office after thrashing Adolphus Crosbie at the railway station, feeling triumphant yet anxious about the consequences. He recounts the event to his friend Cradell, and later writes to Lord De Guest to explain his actions. The earl and Lady Julia react with approval, celebrating Eames's courage.
Chapter 35
An Old Man's Complaint
The squire, Christopher Dale, confronts Mrs. Dale about Bell's refusal to marry Bernard and his own sense of exclusion from the family's affections. He argues that as their uncle and benefactor, his wishes should carry weight, but Mrs. Dale firmly defends her maternal authority, insisting that her daughters' hearts are not to be disposed of by anyone. The conversation becomes a painful reckoning of years of mutual misunderstanding, ending with the squire expressing deep hurt and resignation, though he vows to continue providing for the girls.
Chapter 36
Doctor Crofts Is Called In
Mrs. Dale resolves to leave the Small House and informs the squire, who is shocked and hurt. Meanwhile, a maid falls ill with suspected scarlatina, prompting the family to call for Dr. Crofts. The Dale women reaffirm their independence from the squire's influence, particularly regarding marriage decisions.
Chapter 37
Dr. Crofts Is Turned Out
Dr. Crofts proposes to Bell Dale, but she cannot bring herself to accept him, though she loves him. Meanwhile, news spreads that Mrs. Dale and her daughters intend to leave the Small House for Guestwick, causing gossip among the parish. Dr. Crofts later speaks with Bell about the move, expressing his regret and hinting at deeper feelings.
Chapter 38
Preparations for the Wedding
The fourteenth of February is set as the wedding day for Adolphus Crosbie and Lady Alexandrina De Courcy, after pressure from Lady Amelia to avoid delay. Alexandrina insists on a proper trousseau, causing tension with her mother, the countess. Crosbie visits the De Courcys and feels the coldness of his fiancée and the family's domestic decline, contrasting it with the warmth of the Dale household. He resigns himself to the marriage, planning to assert his authority afterward.
Chapter 39
Domestic Troubles
John Eames returns to Mrs. Roper's boarding house to find chaos: Mrs. Lupex has disappeared, her husband Lupex is distraught and accusing Cradell of running off with her. Amelia Roper interrogates Eames, who reveals that Mrs. Lupex borrowed money from Cradell. Cradell defends his involvement, but Mrs. Roper scolds him for his foolishness. Later, Mrs. Lupex returns, claiming she went on a trip to Hampton Court, but the household is fed up. Mrs. Roper resolves to get rid of the Lupexes.
Chapter 40
XLII: Lily's Bedside
Lily Dale recovers from scarlatina and begins to resume normal activities, though she remains confined to her mother's bedroom. During Dr. Crofts' daily visits, Lily playfully teases him and her sister Bell about their romantic tension, while also reflecting on her own broken engagement and the pain of her past. Bell and Lily discuss love and novels, and Bell reveals her uncertainty about Dr. Crofts' proposal.
Chapter 41
Fie, Fie!
The Duke of Omnium warns his nephew, Plantagenet Palliser, against pursuing Lady Dumbello due to scandalous rumors. Despite the duke's threat to cut off his allowance and inheritance, Palliser resolves to continue his attentions to Lady Dumbello, though he acknowledges he never truly loved her. The chapter explores the social pressures and manipulations surrounding their flirtation.
Chapter 42
Valentine's Day at Allington
As Crosbie's wedding day approaches, Lily Dale insists on knowing the exact date despite her mother's and Bell's reluctance. On Valentine's Day, Lily struggles with her emotions, breaking down but ultimately reaffirming her resolve to move forward. The chapter also touches on the family's impending move to Guestwick and the squire's disapproval of Crosbie.
Chapter 43
Valentine’s Day in London
On a cold February day in London, Adolphus Crosbie marries Lady Alexandrina De Courcy at St. James's Church. The wedding is deliberately quiet to avoid the Earl's wrath and to minimize expense, with the Countess presiding over a modest breakfast. After the ceremony, the couple travels by train to Folkestone for their honeymoon, but Crosbie already feels a cold distance between them, contrasting sharply with the warmth he shared with Lily Dale.
Chapter 44
John Eames at His Office
John Eames receives a letter from Lord De Guest revealing that the squire has consented to his marriage with Lily Dale, with promises of financial support. Meanwhile, Eames continues to struggle with his feelings for Amelia Roper and his jealousy over her flirtation with Cradell. The chapter also details the office politics at the Civil Service, including the possibility of Eames becoming private secretary to Sir Raffle Buffle.
Chapter 45
The New Private Secretary
John Eames is appointed private secretary to Sir Raffle Buffle, gaining a hundred a year and a new position. At Mrs. Roper's boarding house, the news is celebrated with a dinner, where Amelia Roper attempts to manipulate Eames's jealousy by flirting with Cradell, but Eames rebuffs her. Later, Eames writes to Lord De Guest, expressing gratitude for his offer of financial help but uncertainty about his prospects with Lily Dale, and accepts an invitation to visit for Easter.
Chapter 46
XLVIII: Nemesis
Crosbie has settled into married life with Lady Alexandrina, finding it dull and cold. He goes to his office daily, returns home at six, and spends his evenings in a routine devoid of warmth or love. He is dragged to a Sunday dinner at the Gazebees', where Mortimer Gazebee informs him of financial troubles in the De Courcy family and Crosbie's own debts. Crosbie reflects that Lily Dale would have made the house bright, while Lady Alexandrina confesses to her sister that she has made a mistake.
Chapter 47
Preparations for Going
Lily Dale refuses an invitation to the Manor, understanding it is a scheme to bring her together with John Eames, while Bell Dale receives and rejects a marriage proposal from her cousin Bernard Dale. The family prepares to move from the Small House, with Lily throwing herself into the work to distract herself from her heartbreak.
Chapter 48
Mrs. Dale Is Thankful for a Good Thing
Mrs. Dale visits the squire with a note declining Lady Julia's invitation for Lily, who cannot face John Eames. The squire reveals his plan for Lily to marry John, offering a settlement, but Mrs. Dale believes Lily is not ready. Meanwhile, Bell accepts Dr. Crofts's proposal in a quiet, practical manner, and the family discusses their future living arrangements with contentment.
Chapter 49
John Eames Does Things Which He Ought Not to Have Done
John Eames informs Mrs. Roper and Amelia of his decision to leave Burton Crescent, leading to emotional confrontations. Amelia, torn between her feelings for Eames and her practical need for a husband, attempts to manipulate both him and Cradell. Mrs. Roper laments the decline of her household's respectability due to the Lupexes and her financial struggles.
Chapter 50
The First Visit to the Guestwick Bridge
John Eames arrives at Guestwick Manor and is warmly welcomed by Lady Julia and the Earl. He discusses his role as private secretary to Sir Raffle Buffle, his dislike of the man, and his plans to leave Mrs. Roper's house. He visits his mother and sister, then returns to the Manor where he meets Mr. Dale and Bell. The conversation turns to Lily's illness and recovery, and John resolves to visit her.
Chapter 51
LIII: Loquitur Hopkins
The squire accepts Bell's engagement to Dr. Crofts with melancholy grace, offering her a hundred a year upon marriage. He asks Mrs. Dale to remain in the Small House, but she feels it is too late. Hopkins, the gardener, expresses his dismay at the family's departure, warning that it will break the squire's heart and lead to a complete dissolution of the household.
Chapter 52
The Second Visit to the Guestwick Bridge
John Eames visits Lily Dale at the Small House, hoping to propose marriage. Despite his earnestness and the support of Lord De Guest, Lily gently but firmly refuses him, still devoted to Crosbie. Afterward, on Guestwick Bridge, John carves Lily's name from the rail and is comforted by Lady Julia, who advises patience and constancy.
Chapter 53
LV: Not Very Fie Fie After All
Lady Dumbello receives a letter from her mother, Mrs. Grantly, expressing fears about her relationship with Mr. Palliser. She shows the letter to Lord Dumbello, who becomes flustered but eventually gives her a costly necklace as a token of renewed confidence. Meanwhile, Mr. Palliser, unaware of the reconciliation, attends Lady De Courcy's party, resolved to declare his love to Lady Dumbello. At the party, Crosbie stands sullenly in a corner, and Lady Dumbello awaits Mr. Palliser's approach, ready to rebuff him if necessary.
Chapter 54
Showing How Mr. Crosbie Became Again a Happy Man
The chapter details the unhappiness of the Crosbie marriage, with Lady Alexandrina complaining to her mother about Crosbie's silence and stinginess. Lady De Courcy plans to escape to Baden-Baden with Margaretta, and Alexandrina asks Crosbie for permission to join them, revealing the complete breakdown of their relationship after only ten weeks of marriage.
Chapter 55
LVII: Lilian Dale Vanquishes Her Mother
Mrs. Dale attempts to persuade Lily to consider John Eames's marriage proposal, but Lily steadfastly declares she is still bound to Crosbie in her heart, comparing herself to a widow. Lily's emotional argument convinces her mother to drop the subject, and they also decide to abandon their plan to move to Guestwick, choosing instead to stay at the Small House.
Chapter 56
The Fate of the Small House
Mrs. Dale returns from a long interview with the squire, who has persuaded her to abandon the plan of moving to Guestwick and to remain at the Small House. The squire also reveals that he has given each of the girls a gift of three thousand pounds, and the chapter ends with the squire reflecting on his life and his relationships with his family.
Chapter 57
John Eames Becomes a Man
John Eames returns to London after being rejected by Lily Dale, reads a letter from Cradell announcing his engagement to Amelia Roper and his assumption of Mrs. Roper's debts, visits Burton Crescent to bid farewell, and is invited to dine with Sir Raffle Buffle. The narrator declares that only now has John Eames entered his manhood.
Chapter 58
Conclusion
The final chapter resolves the fates of the main characters. Lily Dale remains resilient after her broken engagement, finding happiness in her independence and her family. Bell Dale marries Dr. Crofts, and the squire reconciles with Mrs. Dale, promising a more harmonious life at Allington. Crosbie's career recovers but his social standing is diminished, and he and Lady Alexandrina live in reduced circumstances at Baden-Baden. The chapter also resolves the Hopkins controversy, with Lily mediating a reconciliation between the squire and his gardener.
