Cranford

The Aga Jenkyns Visits Miss Matty’s Shop

Near the end of the narrator’s visit, a strange gentleman with sun-darkened skin, white hair, and piercing dark eyes loiters outside the shop before entering. Miss Matty is mildly nervous, expecting him to present a note or sovereign for which she must make change. Instead, after studying her intently, he turns sharply to the narrator and asks, “Is your name Mary Smith?”—revealing himself to be the Aga Jenkyns, the long-lost brother whose letter the narrator had once written but never dared mention to anyone.

第十五章

Chapter XV centers on the long-awaited reunion of Miss Matty Jenkyns with her brother Peter, who has been presumed dead for years after disappearing to India. The chapter traces the moment of recognition, the emotional embrace, the sharing of his adventurous past, Miss Matty’s quiet overnight vigil to confirm his reality, and Peter’s generous distribution of gifts throughout the Cranford community.

Miss Matty Recognizes Long-Lost Brother Peter

Peter enters Miss Matty’s shop and, uncertain how to announce himself, pretends to browse and asks for a pound of almond comfits. Miss Matty is struck by something tender and familiar in his face. She looks up to remonstrate about the excessive quantity and suddenly recognizes him, crying out, “It is—oh, sir! can you be Peter?” Her whole body trembles with the shock of recognition.

Miss Matty and Peter’s Emotional Reunion

Peter rushes around the counter and catches Miss Matty in his arms, both weeping the tearless sobs of old age. The narrator brings wine when Miss Matty’s color changes alarmingly. Peter repeatedly calls her “my little girl” and worries he has been too sudden. He carries her upstairs to the drawing-room sofa, her hand still clutching his even as she nearly faints.