Middlemarch

Trumbull Requests Parlor Refreshments

Trumbull Requests Parlor Refreshments Mr. Borthrop Trumbull enters the parlor at half-past eleven, having just had the exceptional privilege of visiting old Featherstone. He positions himself with his back to the fire between Mrs. Waule and Solomon, requesting a slice of ham and a glass of ale from Miss Garth. Mary offers to ring the bell, but he declines, allowing her to attend to her errand.

Featherstone Will Discussion

Featherstone Will Discussion After consuming his snack, Trumbull joins the conversation about Featherstone’s will, growing pompous and evasive. When Solomon inquires what their brother has been saying, Trumbull responds with rhetorical flourishes about “interrogative turns” and “figures of speech,” avoiding any direct answer. He hints darkly that undeserving people have been named as legatees, but refuses to commit to specifics. As Mrs. Waule presses for information, he deflects by patrolling toward the window, stroking his stock and whiskers.

Mrs. Waule’s Land Bequest Concern

Mrs. Waule’s Land Bequest Concern Mrs. Waule directly asks if her brother has left the land away from the family, finding Trumbull’s long words depressing. Solomon compares the situation to leaving land as charity. Mrs. Waule, increasingly distressed, exclaims that it would be “flying in the face of the Almighty that’s prospered him,” but Trumbull provides no clear answer, allowing the moment to pass as the servant arrives with refreshments.

Trumbull’s Pompous Novel Reading

Trumbull’s Pompous Novel Reading Seeking to impress, Trumbull picks up a book from Miss Garth’s work-table and reads aloud the title “Anne of Geierstein” (pronounced “Jeersteen”) by the author of Waverley. He launches into a sonorous opening passage, pronouncing “Continent” with deliberate emphasis on the final syllable, savoring the dramatic effect. His performance serves as an elaborate deflection from the serious questions about the will.

Mary Garth Conversation

Mary Garth Conversation Upon Mary’s return, Trumbull compliments the book, identifying its author as Sir Walter Scott and mentioning his own purchase of “Ivanhoe.” He boasts of his two hundred volumes in calf and offers to lend her any work. Mary declines politely, explaining she has little time for reading. Trumbull praises her carefulness in mixing medicine and suggests that a man should choose a wife capable of being a good nurse, revealing his views on marriage and self-improvement.

Post-Visit Will Speculation

Post-Visit Will Speculation After Trumbull’s departure with a fine bow, Solomon leans toward his sister Jane and suggests their brother has left Mary a substantial sum, gesturing toward the absent girl. Jane notes that Featherstone’s first wife was a poor match and that Mary is only her niece receiving wages. Trumbull’s praise of Mary lingers with Jane, who remarks that “he talks as if my daughters wasn’t to be trusted to give drops.” Solomon dismisses the auctioneer’s words as wild, though he acknowledges Trumbull has made money.

CHAPITRE XXXIII.

Opens with an epigraph from 2 Henry VI, then establishes the scene of Mary Garth taking over the night watch at the ailing Peter Featherstone’s bedside, setting up the events of the night that lead to his death.

Mary Garth’s Night Watch

Mary Garth, who often volunteers for this night watch despite Featherstone’s frequent testiness when she attends to him, sits alone through the small hours after midnight. She finds quiet pleasure in the outer stillness, the subdued firelight, and her own independent thoughts: she holds no sentimental regard for the old man, who has always been dismissive of her, views the petty vices and follies of the people around her with amused contempt, and worries secretly about how Fred Vincy will be affected if Featherstone leaves him no inheritance. Her strong, grounded moral character, rooted in her love for her parents and refusal to hold unrealistic expectations for life, keeps her from falling into cynicism.

Featherstone’s Awakening

After lying still for the first hour or two of Mary’s watch, Featherstone rouses around 3 a.m., having retrieved his tin key box from the bed himself instead of asking Mary for help. He first asks Mary to confirm which of his relatives are present in the house, then reveals he has created two wills and intends to burn one, demanding Mary use a key to open his iron closet chest and retrieve the topmost printed Last Will and Testament document.