The Small House at Allington · Chapter
Showing How Mr. Crosbie Became Again a Happy Man explained
The chapter details the unhappiness of the Crosbie marriage, with Lady Alexandrina complaining to her mother about Crosbie's silence and stinginess.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The Crosbie marriage is depicted as a complete failure, with silence, resentment, and a bride seeking to leave her husband after only ten weeks.
Gender Roles and Women's Agency
Lady Alexandrina is trapped in an unhappy marriage with little power, yet she takes the bold step of asking her husband for permission to leave.
Poverty and Economic Pressure
Crosbie's refusal to afford a carriage or maintain a servant highlights the financial strain of his marriage to an earl's daughter.
Characters to notice
- Lady Alexandrina De Courcy
Complains to her mother about Crosbie's silence, lack of companionship, and stinginess; seeks permission to accompany her mother to Baden-Baden.
- Adolphus Crosbie
Shows moodiness and silence at the party; returns home speechless with his wife; is asked by Alexandrina if she may go to Baden-Baden with her mother.
- Countess De Courcy
Listens to Alexandrina's complaints, plans to escape to Baden-Baden with Margaretta, and discusses the matter with her daughter.
- Lady Margaretta
Discusses the situation with her mother, coolly suggests that people should not be made absolutely wretched because they are married.
- Mortimer Gazebee
Attempts to engage Crosbie in conversation at the party, mentions preferring home with his paper and slippers.
Key passages
“Oh, mamma! you would not believe it; but he hardly ever speaks to me.”
Lady Alexandrina complains to her mother that Crosbie rarely speaks to her.
Highlights the emotional distance in the marriage.
“If this be domestic felicity! he would say to himself, as he sat in his armchair, striving to fix his attention upon a book.”
Crosbie reflects bitterly on his own unhappiness in marriage.
Shows his internal disillusionment.
“Have you any objection to my going with mamma?”
Lady Alexandrina asks Crosbie for permission to accompany her mother to Baden-Baden.
Reveals the breakdown of their relationship after only ten weeks.