Cranford

CHAPTER XIII.

Chapter XIII follows the narrator and Miss Matty through the immediate aftermath of exchanging bank notes for gold. Mr Johnson shares alarming news about the Town and County Bank, and Miss Matty conducts her account review before news arrives that the bank has stopped payment, leaving her financially ruined yet resigned to her fate.

Mr Johnson’s Ill-Timed Bank News

As the narrator and Miss Matty pass through the shop, Mr Johnson — informed of the gold exchange — attempts to offer condolence. Though well-meaning, he shows a lack of tact by exaggerating the bank’s troubles, claiming her shares are worthless and that the bank cannot pay a shilling in the pound. Miss Matty appears mildly incredulous, though the narrator cannot tell whether this is genuine or a mask of self-control befitting a lady of her standing in Cranford, who would never show distress to an inferior or in a public shop.

Silent Walk Home and Unspoken Annoyance

The pair walk home in silence. The narrator admits to feeling vexed and annoyed that Miss Matty had claimed the note so decisively, having set her heart on Miss Matty getting a new silk gown she needed. Despite Miss Matty’s usual indecisiveness, her firm action in this case could not be overturned, and the narrator remains put out by the outcome.

Regrettable Question About Repurchasing Notes

After midday, both women feel satiated in their curiosity about fashions and physically fatigued from the mental strain. They do not speak of the note until something compels the narrator to ask Miss Matty whether she would feel obligated to offer sovereigns for all Town and County Bank notes she encountered. The narrator immediately regrets the question, realizing she has added a new perplexity to Miss Matty’s already troubled mind.

Miss Matty’s Explanation of Her Choice

Miss Matty responds without reproach, explaining that her mind is not naturally strong and that working out what she ought to do in any given case is hard enough. She was grateful to have discerned her duty that morning when the poor man stood before her, but she finds it a strain to keep anticipating hypothetical situations. She prefers to wait and trust that she will be helped when the moment comes, adding that unlike her sister Deborah, she would have managed the situation differently had Deborah lived.

Strained Cheerfulness and Engagement Discussion

After tea, the women take up their work with forced cheerfulness that gradually becomes real, and they discuss Lady Glenmire’s engagement. Miss Matty begins to think it a good thing, acknowledging that men can be troublesome in a house but bring useful knowledge of how to act in difficulties. She reasons that Lady Glenmire will have a settled home among pleasant people and notes that Mr Hoggins, though not polished in manners, may yet be true and tender. Miss Matty then drifts into a soft reverie about Mr Holbrook while the narrator busily matures a plan.

Miss Matty’s Account Book Review

Before the tea conversation, Miss Matty unlocks her desk and reviews her account books with a puzzled brow. Too penitent over her earlier remark to presume she could help, the narrator leaves her alone. Miss Matty eventually shuts the book, locks the desk, and draws her chair to the narrator’s. In forced composure, she reveals that if the bank fails she will lose one hundred and forty-nine pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence a year, leaving her only thirteen pounds. Her fingers work convulsively as she admits she is glad poor Deborah has been spared this downfall, since Deborah’s lofty spirit could not have borne coming down in the world.

Late Night Secret Letter Drafting

After Miss Matty retires, the narrator treacherously relights the candle and sits down alone in the drawing-room to compose a carefully worded letter to the Aga Jenkyns. The letter is crafted to affect him deeply if he turns out to be Peter, while appearing as a dry statement of facts if he is a stranger. The narrator does not finish until the church clock peals out two.