# Mr. Gilmore's Success explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton

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

## What happens

Harry Gilmore, deeply dejected after Mary Lowther's rejection, travels to Loring and meets with Miss Marrable. He confesses his enduring love for Mary and learns that her engagement to Captain Marrable is precarious due to financial difficulties. Miss Marrable hints that the match may be broken off, giving Gilmore a glimmer of hope, and he resolves to wait patiently.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Gilmore's persistent love for Mary and the financial obstacles to her engagement with Captain Marrable underscore the tension between romantic attachment and practical considerations in marriage.

### Class and Social Power

Gilmore's reduced status—feeling inferior to Mr. Cockey—and Miss Marrable's initial judgment based on his appearance illustrate how social standing and wealth affect personal interactions and marriage prospects.

### Family Duty and Forgiveness

Miss Marrable's protective stance toward Mary, balancing loyalty to her niece with a desire to see her well-settled, reflects family duty in guiding marriage decisions.

## Character check-ins

### Harry Gilmore

Arrives in Loring in a state of deep despair, unkempt and 'seedy,' seeking any chance to win Mary Lowther. He confesses his love to Miss Marrable and resolves to wait after learning of the engagement's instability.

### Miss Marrable

Initially disappointed by Gilmore's appearance, she softens as he reveals his genuine love. She cautiously shares that the engagement may be broken off due to financial concerns, offering him hope.

### Mary Lowther

Not present in the scene but central to the discussion; her engagement to Captain Marrable is in jeopardy due to lack of income, and she is described as devoted to her cousin.

### Captain Walter Marrable

Mentioned as Mary's fiancé; his limited income as a poor soldier is the primary obstacle to the marriage.

### Mr. Cockey

Gilmore's breakfast companion at the inn; a commercial traveler who annoys Gilmore with his condescending manner and opinions.

## Key lines

> He was a man altogether upset, and verging on to a species of insanity. He was so uneasy in his mind that he could read nothing.

Gilmore was so emotionally disturbed that he could not focus on reading, feeling nearly mad with distress.

_Describes Gilmore's profound mental anguish after Mary's rejection._

> Miss Marrable's heart had now become very soft, and she began to perceive, of her own knowledge, that Mr. Gilmore was at any rate a gentleman.

Miss Marrable's sympathy grew as she recognized Gilmore's gentlemanly qualities despite his disheveled appearance.

_Shows Miss Marrable's shift in perception from disappointment to respect._

> I think it will be broken off. That is my opinion. I don't think it can go on. But it is he that will do it; and for a time she will suffer greatly.

Miss Marrable predicts that Captain Marrable will end the engagement, causing Mary temporary pain.

_Reveals Miss Marrable's belief that the match is unsustainable due to financial strain._

## Links

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