# At the Mill explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton

> Chapter companion for The Vicar of Bullhampton by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Carry Brattle is required to travel to Salisbury for the trial of John Burrows and Lawrence Acorn. The miller, George Brattle, decides to accompany her, causing Carry great anxiety due to his coldness. On the morning of departure, Carry makes a timid effort to reconcile with her father. Sam Brattle unexpectedly arrives, offering to work the mill and delaying his own appearance at the trial. The miller, though gruff, shows a hint of softening when he gives Carry a cushion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Duty and Forgiveness

The miller's decision to accompany Carry, despite his coldness, and his small gesture of giving her a cushion hint at the possibility of reconciliation.

### Justice and Prejudice

Carry's fear of the trial and the legal system's demands on witnesses reflect the harshness of justice for the poor and fallen.

## Character check-ins

### Carry Brattle

Dreads being alone with her father during the journey to Salisbury; makes a quiet attempt to reconcile with him.

### George Brattle

Decides to accompany Carry to Salisbury; remains stern but shows a slight softening by giving her a cushion.

### Fanny Brattle

Supports her sister and encourages her to be patient with their father.

### Sam Brattle

Arrives unexpectedly at the mill, offers to work during his father's absence, and plans to delay his own appearance at the trial.

### Mrs. Brattle

Observes the family dynamics and is pleased by Sam's return and the miller's subtle change.

### Mr. Fenwick

Arranges accommodation for Carry and the miller at Mrs. Stiggs' house in Salisbury.

## Key lines

> The presence of Carry Brattle was required in Salisbury for the trial of John Burrows and Lawrence Acorn on Wednesday the 22nd of August.

Carry Brattle had to go to Salisbury on August 22nd for the trial of John Burrows and Lawrence Acorn.

_Sets the legal context for the chapter._

> To be alone with her father for two, three, or perhaps four days, seemed to her to be so terrible, that she hardly knew how to face the misery and gloom of his company

Carry was terrified at the prospect of spending several days alone with her father, dreading his silent hostility.

_Highlights Carry's emotional distress._

> It was the first time that he had called her by her name, and it was not lost on the poor girl.

The miller called Carry by her name for the first time, a small but significant gesture that she noticed.

_Marks a turning point in their relationship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters/lxvi-at-the-mill
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters