The Vicar of Bullhampton · Chapter
The End of Mary Lowther's Story explained
Sir Gregory Marrable, recovering from his disappointment over Walter's engagement to Mary Lowther, is persuaded by Mrs.
What happens
Sir Gregory Marrable, recovering from his disappointment over Walter's engagement to Mary Lowther, is persuaded by Mrs. Brownlow and Edith to accept the match. Walter sells out of his regiment to become deputy squire at Dunripple, and Mary prepares to marry him. Mary receives letters from Janet Fenwick (reporting Harry Gilmore's departure abroad and the chapel's demolition) and from Walter (announcing the settled plans). She replies to both, expressing remorse for the pain she caused Gilmore but joy in her own happiness, and accepts the role of deputy squiress at Dunripple.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Mary and Walter's engagement is finalized, with Sir Gregory's blessing, highlighting the triumph of romantic love over arranged matches.
Family Duty and Forgiveness
Sir Gregory overcomes his disappointment and forgives Walter's choice, welcoming Mary into the family; Edith's selflessness also exemplifies family duty.
Hypocrisy and Moral Courage
Mary grapples with remorse over the pain she caused Harry Gilmore, showing moral courage in acknowledging her mistakes while pursuing her own happiness.
Characters to notice
- Mary Lowther
Receives and replies to letters from Janet Fenwick and Walter Marrable; expresses remorse over Harry Gilmore but accepts her future as deputy squiress at Dunripple.
- Captain Walter Marrable
Writes to Mary announcing he is selling out of his regiment to become deputy squire at Dunripple; his uncle Sir Gregory has assented to the marriage.
- Sir Gregory Marrable
Recovers from his headache and disappointment; persuaded by Mrs. Brownlow and Edith to accept Walter's marriage to Mary and make them welcome at Dunripple.
- Miss Marrable
Mary's aunt; expresses mild disappointment that her own wishes for Mary's hand were not fulfilled, but accepts the match.
- Edith Brownlow
Shows generosity and good nature by encouraging Sir Gregory to accept Walter's engagement to Mary, and hopes to be fond of Mary.
- Janet Fenwick
Writes to Mary reporting Harry Gilmore's decision to go abroad and the demolition of the chapel; expresses lingering sadness over the failed match.
Key passages
“Sir Gregory Marrable's headache was not of long duration.”
Sir Gregory's disappointment did not last long.
Opens the chapter, indicating Sir Gregory's quick recovery from his earlier upset.
“I meant to do well all through. When I first told Mr. Gilmore that it could not be as he wished it, I was right. When I made up my mind that it must be so at last, I was right also. I fear I cannot say so much of myself as to that middle step which I took, thinking it was best to do as I was bidden.”
Mary reflects on her actions, believing she was right to refuse Gilmore initially and to ultimately follow her heart, but regrets the middle step of agreeing to marry him out of duty.
Mary's letter to Janet Fenwick, expressing her remorse and self-justification.
“I am to be a deputy Squiress! I have no objection to urge. As long as you are the deputy Squire, I will be the deputy Squiress.”
Mary playfully accepts her role as mistress of Dunripple alongside Walter.
Mary's reply to Walter, showing her cheerful acceptance of their future life.
