The Small House at Allington · Chapter
Fie, Fie! explained
The Duke of Omnium warns his nephew, Plantagenet Palliser, against pursuing Lady Dumbello due to scandalous rumors.
What happens
The Duke of Omnium warns his nephew, Plantagenet Palliser, against pursuing Lady Dumbello due to scandalous rumors. Despite the duke's threat to cut off his allowance and inheritance, Palliser resolves to continue his attentions to Lady Dumbello, though he acknowledges he never truly loved her. The chapter explores the social pressures and manipulations surrounding their flirtation.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Moral Integrity
The Duke of Omnium pressures Palliser to avoid scandal to protect family honor, while Palliser struggles with the moral implications of his flirtation.
Betrayal and Trust
The rumor of Palliser's flirtation with Lady Dumbello threatens to betray the trust between the Duke and the Hartletop family, as well as between Palliser and his uncle.
Social Class and Status
Palliser's dependence on his uncle's wealth and title highlights the constraints of aristocratic status, as the Duke uses his power to influence Palliser's actions.
Characters to notice
- Plantagenet Palliser
Warned by his uncle about rumors linking him to Lady Dumbello; resolves to continue his flirtation despite the threat.
- Lady Dumbello
Object of Palliser's attentions; her smiles and gestures are interpreted by Palliser as flattering after his uncle's warning.
- Lord Porlock
Briefly converses with Palliser about his sister's engagement to Crosbie, expressing concern about his father's treatment of the family.
- Adolphus Crosbie
Mentioned as the fiancé of Lord Porlock's sister; Palliser met him at Courcy Castle.
Key passages
“We all know that story of the priest, who, by his question in the confessional, taught the ostler to grease the horses’ teeth. “I never did yet,” said the ostler, “but I’ll have a try at it.” In this case, the duke had acted the part of the priest, and Mr. Palliser, before the night was over, had almost become as ready a pupil as the ostler.”
The Duke's warning inadvertently encourages Palliser to pursue Lady Dumbello, just as a priest's question once inspired an ostler to try greasing horses' teeth.
Illustrates how the Duke's interference backfires, prompting Palliser to consider the flirtation he had not previously entertained.
““I don’t suppose there is much in it,” began the duke, “but people are talking about you and Lady Dumbello.” “Upon my word, people are very kind.””
The Duke mentions the rumor about Palliser and Lady Dumbello, to which Palliser sarcastically remarks on people's kindness.
Shows the Duke's indirect approach and Palliser's defensive sarcasm.
““You think that I am asking much of you; but you should remember that hitherto I have given much and have asked nothing. I expect you to oblige me in this matter.””
The Duke reminds Palliser of his generosity and demands compliance regarding the Lady Dumbello situation.
Highlights the power imbalance and the Duke's expectation of obedience.