# The Two Pearls of Allington explained — The Small House at Allington

> Chapter companion for The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Status

The chapter contrasts Crosbie's fashionable London status with John Eames's humble clerkship, and highlights how the Dales' social standing is tied to the squire's patronage.

### Family and Obligation

Mrs. Dale's acceptance of the squire's offer for her daughters' social advantages, and the squire's ungracious but consistent support, illustrate family duty and obligation.

### Pride and Prejudice

Lily's sarcastic remarks about Crosbie and her pride in the Small House lawn reflect personal prejudices and pride in family and home.

## Character check-ins

### Lilian Dale

Lily is portrayed as the queen of the croquet ground, sharp-tongued and perceptive, calling Crosbie a 'swell' and a 'mere clerk' while showing her pride in the Small House lawn.

### Isabella Dale

Bell is the beauty of the family, more reserved than Lily, and seems less inclined to undervalue Crosbie, showing a subtle interest in him.

### Adolphus Crosbie

Crosbie is a London swell working in the General Committee Office, visiting Allington. He is graceful but inept at croquet, and his mention of Lady Hartletop reveals his fashionable connections.

### Captain Bernard Dale

Bernard is the cousin and heir presumptive to the squire, an officer in the Engineers. He is more efficient at croquet and is involved in the squire's project to match him with Bell.

### Mrs. Dale

The widow of the youngest Dale brother, she lives modestly at the Small House with her daughters, grateful for the social advantages but aware of her strained relationship with the squire.

### Christopher Dale

The squire of Allington, he provides the Small House rent-free and contributes to the girls' upbringing, favoring Bell and Bernard, but is obstinate and ungracious in his manner.

## Key lines

> But Mr. Crosbie is only a mere clerk.

Lily Dale dismissively remarks that Crosbie is nothing more than a clerk.

_This opening line sets up the sisters' debate about Crosbie's social standing and character._

> I'll tell you what he is, Bell; Mr. Crosbie is a swell.

Lily declares that Crosbie is a fashionable and self-important man.

_Lily's assessment reveals her sharp perception of Crosbie's pretensions._

> Apollo can't get through the hoops; but then how gracefully he fails to do it!

Lily jokes that Crosbie is clumsy at croquet but fails with elegance.

_This comment highlights Lily's wit and her mixed feelings about Crosbie's charm._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/ii-the-two-pearls-of-allington
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters