The Small House at Allington · Chapter
The New Private Secretary explained
John Eames is appointed private secretary to Sir Raffle Buffle, gaining a hundred a year and a new position.
What happens
John Eames is appointed private secretary to Sir Raffle Buffle, gaining a hundred a year and a new position. At Mrs. Roper's boarding house, the news is celebrated with a dinner, where Amelia Roper attempts to manipulate Eames's jealousy by flirting with Cradell, but Eames rebuffs her. Later, Eames writes to Lord De Guest, expressing gratitude for his offer of financial help but uncertainty about his prospects with Lily Dale, and accepts an invitation to visit for Easter.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Status
Eames's promotion to private secretary elevates his social standing among the boarders, while Lupex laments his own failure to rise due to lack of opportunity.
Betrayal and Trust
Amelia Roper's manipulative flirtation with Cradell to provoke Eames's jealousy reflects themes of trust and betrayal in romantic relationships.
Characters to notice
- John Eames
Newly appointed private secretary to Sir Raffle Buffle; writes to Lord De Guest about his prospects and accepts Easter invitation.
- Amelia Roper
Attempts to provoke Eames's jealousy by flirting with Cradell; is rebuffed when Eames curses her name.
- Mr. Cradell
Remains at the office to walk home with Eames; becomes the object of Amelia's flirtation and is caught between her and Mrs. Lupex.
- Mrs. Lupex
Jealous of Amelia's attention to Cradell; congratulates Eames on his appointment with enthusiasm.
- Lupex
Drinks with the young men and laments his own lack of success in life; offers Eames a dirty hand in congratulations.
- Lord De Guest
Receives a letter from Eames thanking him for his offer and accepting an Easter invitation; reads the letter aloud to his sister.
Key passages
“she would wring his heart. She had been employed in wringing it for some days past, and had been astonished at her own success.”
Amelia was determined to make Eames suffer emotionally, and she had been succeeding in this for several days, surprising even herself.
Amelia's deliberate manipulation of Eames's feelings.
“I have an idea that a man ought not to accept a present of money, unless from his father, or somebody like that. And the sum you mention is so very large that it makes me wish you had not named it.”
Eames feels uncomfortable accepting a large monetary gift from Lord De Guest, believing such gifts are only proper from close family.
Eames's scruples about accepting financial help from Lord De Guest.