The Small House at Allington · Chapter
LVII: Lilian Dale Vanquishes Her Mother explained
Mrs.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Lily's refusal to accept John Eames due to her enduring love for Crosbie highlights the tension between romantic fidelity and practical marriage prospects.
Family and Obligation
Mrs. Dale's concern for Lily's future happiness and the family's decision to stay at the Small House reflect familial duty and interdependence.
Honor and Moral Integrity
Lily's conviction that she is 'married in her heart' to Crosbie underscores her personal code of honor, even after his betrayal.
Characters to notice
- Lilian Dale
Lily firmly rejects her mother's urging to accept John Eames, declaring she is still married in her heart to Crosbie and cannot forget him.
- Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Dale tries to counsel Lily to move on from Crosbie and consider John Eames, but is ultimately overcome by Lily's emotional appeal and agrees to be silent.
- John Eames
John Eames is discussed as the suitor who proposed to Lily; Mrs. Dale wishes Lily would accept him.
- Adolphus Crosbie
Crosbie is the man Lily still considers herself married to in her heart, despite his betrayal.
- Isabella Dale
Bell is away visiting Lady Julia De Guest; her return is awaited before finalizing plans to stay at the Small House.
- Christopher Dale
The squire's consent is needed for the Dales to remain at the Small House; his affection is acknowledged.
Key passages
“In my heart I am married to that other man. I gave myself to him, and loved him, and rejoiced in his love.”
Lily insists that she remains emotionally bound to Crosbie as if married, despite his betrayal.
This declaration is the climax of Lily's argument, convincing her mother to drop the subject.
“I am as you are, mamma—widowed. But you have your daughter, and I have my mother. If you will be contented, so will I.”
Lily compares her lost love to widowhood, offering mutual comfort in their shared solitude.
Lily uses this analogy to justify her refusal of John Eames and to reconcile her mother to the situation.