The Small House at Allington · Chapter
LIII: Loquitur Hopkins explained
The squire accepts Bell's engagement to Dr.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Obligation
The squire's request for Mrs. Dale to stay highlights the tension between personal choice and familial duty, as well as the bonds that tie the household together.
Pride and Prejudice
Bell's pride prevents her from considering John Eames as a suitor for Lily, and the squire's melancholy acceptance of Bell's marriage reflects his wounded pride in the family line.
Rural vs. Urban Life
Hopkins's lament about the departure underscores the stability and continuity of rural life, contrasted with the unsettling change of moving away.
Characters to notice
- Christopher Dale
Accepts Bell's engagement to Dr. Crofts with subdued sorrow, offers her a hundred a year, and asks Mrs. Dale to stay.
- Mrs. Dale
Receives the squire's grudging acceptance of Bell's marriage and his request for her to remain; feels it is too late to change plans.
- Isabella Dale
Discusses her engagement with her mother, expresses hope that Lily will stay with the squire, and doubts Lily can marry John Eames.
- Lilian Dale
Engages with Hopkins, teasing him about his authority; remains silent about the move but is present during the packing.
- Hopkins
Visits the Small House to express his sorrow and anger at the family's departure, warning it will kill the squire.
- Dr. Crofts
Mentioned as Bell's fiancé; the squire offers him a hundred a year upon marriage.
Key passages
“I could have wished that it might have been otherwise, as you are well aware. I had family reasons for wishing that it might be otherwise. But I have nothing to say against it. Dr. Crofts, as her husband, shall be welcome to my house.”
The squire tells Mrs. Dale he would have preferred Bell marry Bernard, but he accepts Dr. Crofts and will welcome him.
Squire's grudging acceptance of Bell's engagement.
“If he had come before Mr. Crosbie it would have all been well with her. But she cannot do it now. Her pride would prevent her, even if her heart permitted it.”
Bell explains that Lily might have married John Eames if he had proposed before Crosbie, but now her pride stops her.
Bell's insight into Lily's feelings and pride.
“Remain in that house.”
The squire asks Mrs. Dale to stay in the Small House, though his tone is stern.
Squire's request for Mrs. Dale to remain.
“It'll just kill t' squire! There's ne'ery doubt in the world about that. It'll be the very death of t' old man.”
Hopkins warns that the family's departure will be the death of the squire.
Hopkins's dramatic prediction about the squire's health.