The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
The Grinder and His Comrade explained
As the final examination of the suspected murderers approaches, Fenwick is anxious about securing Carry Brattle as a witness, but his wife dissuades him from fetching her personally.
What happens
As the final examination of the suspected murderers approaches, Fenwick is anxious about securing Carry Brattle as a witness, but his wife dissuades him from fetching her personally. Carry disappears from Salisbury, and the constable reports her flight. At the magistrates' session, Sam Brattle is cleared of murder and released as a witness, while Burrows and Acorn are committed for trial. Fenwick brings the news to the miller, who receives it with restrained gratitude.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Prejudice
Sam Brattle is cleared of murder despite persistent prejudice from figures like Sir Thomas Charleys and Lord Trowbridge, highlighting the tension between legal innocence and social suspicion.
Community and Gossip
The village's divided opinions on Sam's guilt and the gossip surrounding Carry's disappearance reflect the community's role in shaping reputations.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Fenwick's willingness to help Carry and Sam despite social censure contrasts with the hypocrisy of those who condemn without evidence.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Fenwick
Anxious about Carry Brattle's appearance as a witness; dissuaded by his wife from fetching her; testifies about finding Sam in his garden; triumphant at Sam's release but troubled by Carry's disappearance.
- Carry Brattle
Disappears from Trotter's Buildings in Salisbury before she can be called as a witness; feared to have returned to misery and degradation.
- Sam Brattle
Cleared of murder and released; behaves independently as a witness, refusing to answer certain questions; threatens anyone who speaks against his sister; agrees to attend trial only if expenses are paid.
- George Brattle
Receives news of Sam's innocence from Fenwick with restrained gratitude, acknowledging the comfort it will bring his wife.
- Janet Fenwick
Restrains her husband from fetching Carry Brattle, arguing it is imprudent; wishes well for Carry despite her caution.
- Harry Gilmore
Dines at the vicarage and accompanies Fenwick partway to the mill.
Key passages
“It is intolerable to me that I should be impeded in my free action by the interference and accusations of such an ass as that.”
Fenwick finds it unbearable that the Marquis of Trowbridge's meddling and accusations restrict his freedom to act.
Fenwick's frustration with Lord Trowbridge's interference.
“I've been a waiting for it all along; but when there came the law rumpus atop of the other, I knew as how she'd hop the twig.”
Mrs. Stiggs had expected Carry to run away, especially after the legal trouble added to her previous disgrace.
Mrs. Stiggs's prediction of Carry's flight.
“A comfort as my son ain't proved a murderer! If they'd a hanged 'im, Muster Fenwick, that'd a been bad, for certain. It ain't much of comfort we has; but there may be a better and a worser in everything, no doubt.”
The miller acknowledges that while Sam's acquittal is a relief, it brings only modest comfort given their ongoing hardships.
George Brattle's restrained response to Sam's innocence.