# Doctor Crofts Is Called In explained — The Small House at Allington

> Chapter companion for The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mrs. Dale resolves to leave the Small House and informs the squire, who is shocked and hurt. Meanwhile, a maid falls ill with suspected scarlatina, prompting the family to call for Dr. Crofts. The Dale women reaffirm their independence from the squire's influence, particularly regarding marriage decisions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Obligation

Mrs. Dale struggles with her duty to her daughters versus her pride and independence from the squire's control.

### Poverty and Economic Pressure

The Dales face a significant drop in social status and comfort by moving to Guestwick, highlighting economic constraints.

### Pride and Prejudice

Mrs. Dale's pride prevents her from accepting the squire's charity, and the family fears social condescension from others.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Dale

Decides to leave the Small House and informs the squire, feeling guilt and sadness over the move.

### Christopher Dale

The squire is shocked and hurt by Mrs. Dale's decision to leave, unable to understand her reasons.

### Isabella Dale

Bell supports the move and is opposed to her uncle's interference, especially regarding marriage.

### Lilian Dale

Lily shows resilience and supports the decision to leave, though still grieving her broken engagement.

### Dr. Crofts

Called in to attend to the maid Jane, suspected of having scarlatina.

## Key lines

> I shall break my heart at parting with Hopkins; and as to him, I shall be disappointed in mankind if he ever holds his head up again after I am gone.

Lily jokes that leaving Hopkins will break her heart and that he will be devastated.

_Lily uses humor to mask her deeper sorrow about leaving Allington._

> It will be very dreadful, but it will soon be over. It is not what he will say at the moment that I fear so much, as the bitter reproaches of his face when I shall meet him afterwards.

Mrs. Dale dreads the squire's silent disapproval more than his words.

_Mrs. Dale anticipates the emotional difficulty of telling the squire about the move._

> Let us go at once, said Bell. It is much easier said than done, my dear.

Bell urges immediate action, but Mrs. Dale points out the practical difficulties.

_Bell's impatience contrasts with Mrs. Dale's caution about the move._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxviii-doctor-crofts-is-called-in
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters