The Small House at Allington · Chapter
The Fate of the Small House explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Dale returns from a long interview with the squire, who has persuaded her to abandon the plan of moving to Guestwick and to remain at the Small House. The squire also reveals that he has given each of the girls a gift of three thousand pounds, and the chapter ends with the squire reflecting on his life and his relationships with his family.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Obligation
The squire's decision to ask Mrs. Dale to stay and his provision of money for his nieces reflect the complex interplay of duty, affection, and obligation within the Dale family.
Poverty and Economic Pressure
The family's earlier plan to move to Guestwick and the squire's financial gift underscore the economic constraints faced by the widowed Mrs. Dale and her daughters.
Pride and Prejudice
Lily's pride and sensitivity about being seen as needing money, and the squire's awareness that his words have often been misinterpreted, highlight the theme of pride and misjudgment.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Dale
Returns from a two-hour interview with the squire, having agreed to stay at the Small House and conveying the squire's gifts to her daughters.
- Lilian Dale
Reacts with characteristic humor and skepticism to the news of staying and the gift of three thousand pounds, while also showing sensitivity about any mention of John Eames.
- Christopher Dale
The squire, who persuades Mrs. Dale to stay, gives each niece three thousand pounds, and later reflects somberly on his life and relationships.
- Isabella Dale
Mentioned as being away; later meets the squire at the Manor House and expresses gladness that the family is staying.
- John Eames
Discussed in the context of Lord De Guest's advice about his feelings for Lily and his need to bear his disappointment with dignity.
- Lord De Guest
Gives John Eames advice about not showing his disappointment outwardly and encourages him to persevere in his suit for Lily.
Key passages
“I have promised him solemnly to give up all idea of going to Guestwick. So that is over.”
Mrs. Dale tells Lily that she has committed to staying at the Small House, abandoning the move to Guestwick.
This marks the resolution of the family's relocation plans.
“He said that his heart had ever been kinder than his words.”
The squire admits that his true feelings are more generous than his harsh manner suggests.
Reveals the squire's self-awareness and regret about his demeanor.
“A man should never allow himself to be cast down by anything—not outwardly, to the eyes of other men.”
Lord De Guest advises John Eames to hide his disappointment and maintain a composed exterior.
Reflects Victorian ideals of stoicism and masculine restraint.