The Small House at Allington · Chapter
Mr. Crosbie Meets an Old Clergyman on His Way to Courcy Castle explained
Crosbie and Bernard Dale travel from Allington to Guestwick in silence, reflecting on Lily's devotion.
What happens
Crosbie and Bernard Dale travel from Allington to Guestwick in silence, reflecting on Lily's devotion. After parting, Crosbie arrives early in Barchester and attends cathedral service, where he meets Mr. Harding, the former warden of Hiram's Hospital. Mr. Harding shares his story of resigning from the hospital due to public criticism, and mentions his granddaughter Lady Dumbello, who is also a guest at Courcy Castle. Crosbie then proceeds to Courcy Castle.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Status
Crosbie's anxiety about marrying Lily due to her lack of fortune and his desire to maintain his social standing among the aristocracy.
Honor and Moral Integrity
Mr. Harding's story of resigning from Hiram's Hospital despite personal cost, highlighting moral integrity over comfort.
Love and Marriage
Crosbie's internal conflict between his genuine affection for Lily and the practical consequences of marriage.
Characters to notice
- Adolphus Crosbie
Travels from Allington to Guestwick with Bernard Dale, then to Barchester where he meets Mr. Harding. Reflects on his engagement to Lily and financial concerns.
- Captain Bernard Dale
Drives Crosbie to Guestwick; feels Crosbie will not be a good brother-in-law.
- Mr. Harding
Precentor at Barchester Cathedral; tells Crosbie about his resignation from Hiram's Hospital and his family connections.
- Lady Dumbello
Mr. Harding's granddaughter; mentioned as a guest at Courcy Castle.
- Lilian Dale
Lily is not present in the chapter but is remembered fondly by Crosbie and Bernard.
Key passages
“He had not been so spoilt by his club life but that he had taken exquisite pleasure in all her nice country ways, and soft, kindhearted, womanly humour.”
Crosbie genuinely enjoyed Lily's simple, kind-hearted country manners, despite his London habits.
Shows Crosbie's genuine affection for Lily.
“I didn't like going, you know; I thought it would break my heart. But I could not stay when they said such things as that;—I couldn't stay.”
Mr. Harding left the hospital reluctantly because he could not bear the public accusations.
Illustrates Mr. Harding's moral integrity.