# LVII: Lilian Dale Vanquishes Her Mother explained — The Small House at Allington

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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