The Small House at Allington · Chapter
LV: Not Very Fie Fie After All explained
Lady Dumbello receives a letter from her mother, Mrs.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Explores the transactional nature of marriage and the threat of infidelity, as seen in Lady Dumbello's strategic handling of her husband's jealousy and Mr. Palliser's romantic aspirations.
Betrayal and Trust
The rumor of an illicit relationship tests trust between Lady Dumbello and Lord Dumbello, and between Lady Dumbello and her mother.
Social Class and Status
The chapter highlights the importance of social position, as Lady Dumbello values her status and uses her mother's letter to secure her husband's renewed confidence.
Characters to notice
- Lady Dumbello
Receives a letter from her mother about rumors of her relationship with Mr. Palliser; shows it to Lord Dumbello and later receives a necklace as a token of reconciliation; attends Lady De Courcy's party, prepared to rebuff Mr. Palliser.
- Lord Dumbello
Reads the letter from Mrs. Grantly, becomes flustered, and eventually gives Lady Dumbello a costly necklace as a sign of renewed confidence.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Resolved to declare his love to Lady Dumbello, attends Lady De Courcy's party unaware of her reconciliation with her husband; trembles with expectant love and ruin.
- Mrs. Grantly
Writes a letter to Lady Dumbello expressing fears about the rumored relationship with Mr. Palliser; is deeply troubled by the rumor.
- Adolphus Crosbie
Attends Lady De Courcy's party, standing sullenly in a corner, feeling that all is vanity.
- Countess De Courcy
Hosts a large party in Portman Square, smiling despite family troubles.
- Lady Margaretta
Present at the party, bland without and bitter within.
- Lady Rosina
Present at the party, reconciled to worldly vanity because there is no dancing.
Key passages
“She was angry with no one;—she was thankful to no one. She felt no special love for any person concerned in the matter.”
Lady Dumbello felt neither anger nor gratitude toward anyone involved in the situation, and had no particular affection for them.
Highlights her emotional detachment and strategic thinking.
“As for eloping with any Mr. Palliser, and giving up the position which she had won;—no, indeed! She had been fastened in her grooves too well for that!”
She had no intention of running away with Mr. Palliser and losing the social status she had achieved; she was too firmly established in her position.
Emphasizes her commitment to her social standing over romantic impulses.
“To the vain all will be vanity; and to the poor of heart all will be poor.”
Those who are vain find everything meaningless, and those who are impoverished in spirit find everything lacking.
Reflects on Crosbie's sullen perspective at the party.
