The Small House at Allington · Chapter
Pawkins's in Jermyn Street explained
John Eames dines with Lord De Guest and Colonel Orlando Dale at Pawkins's Hotel.
What happens
John Eames dines with Lord De Guest and Colonel Orlando Dale at Pawkins's Hotel. The dinner is dull and the colonel is taciturn, but afterward the earl offers Eames his patronage and encouragement to pursue Lily Dale, advising him to visit Guestwick for Christmas and then speak to the squire about his intentions. Eames leaves feeling transformed and hopeful.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Status
Eames's awareness of his own social standing relative to the earl and the Dale family; the earl's advice to hold his head up like a man.
Love and Marriage
Eames's renewed hope of marrying Lily Dale, encouraged by Lord De Guest's offer of support.
Honor and Moral Integrity
The earl contrasts honest intention with Crosbie's dirt; Eames resolves to act honorably toward Lily.
Characters to notice
- John Eames
Dines with Lord De Guest and Colonel Dale; receives the earl's advice and encouragement regarding Lily Dale; leaves feeling hopeful.
- Lord De Guest
Hosts the dinner at Pawkins's; offers Eames patronage and urges him to pursue Lily Dale; speaks warmly of Eames's father.
- Colonel Dale
Orlando Dale, brother-in-law to Lord De Guest; taciturn during dinner, drinks negus, and retires early.
- Lilian Dale
Referenced as the object of John Eames's affections; the earl encourages Eames to pursue her.
- Amelia Roper
Greets Eames upon his return to Burton Crescent; he passes her without conversation.
Key passages
“All the world was altered to him since he had entered Pawkins’s Hotel. Was it then possible that Lily Dale might even yet become his wife?”
Eames feels his entire outlook has changed after the dinner, and he dares to hope that he might still marry Lily Dale.
Reflects Eames's emotional transformation and renewed romantic hope.
“The man who means honestly is the best swell I know. He’s the only swell I recognize.”
Lord De Guest declares that honest intention is the only true mark of a gentleman.
Highlights the theme of honor and moral integrity.
“Say to yourself that faint heart never won fair lady.”
The earl advises Eames that courage is necessary to win a woman's love.
Encourages Eames to be bold in his pursuit of Lily.