Can You Forgive Her? · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope.

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Chapter 1
Mr. Vavasor and His Daughter
This chapter introduces Alice Vavasor, her father John Vavasor, and their unconventional domestic arrangement. Alice, the daughter of a failed barrister and an heiress who died young, has been raised largely by her cousin Lady Macleod. At twenty-four, she lives with her father in a small house in Queen Anne Street, but their lives are quite separate; Mr. Vavasor never dines at home. Alice has a modest fortune of her own and has chosen to avoid both the high society of her noble relatives and the Low Church tendencies of Lady Macleod. The chapter concludes by revealing that Alice is already engaged to be married.
Chapter 2
Lady Macleod
Lady Macleod visits Alice to discuss her upcoming Swiss tour with her cousins Kate and George Vavasor. She expresses strong disapproval, arguing that traveling with George, given Alice's engagement to John Grey, is improper. Alice defends her plans, asserting her independence and refusing to let John Grey's potential disapproval alter her arrangements. The conversation becomes tense, highlighting Alice's fierce autonomy and her aunt's traditional views on female obedience and propriety.
Chapter 3
John Grey, the Worthy Man
Alice Vavasor receives a letter from John Grey, who playfully critiques her choice of George Vavasor as a companion for the Swiss tour but expresses hope for their future marriage. Kate Vavasor confronts Alice about her ambiguous feelings toward John Grey and her contempt for George, leading to a tense argument. John Grey visits London, and a dinner party is arranged with George and Kate, during which Kate's sarcasm reveals Alice's internal conflict about her engagement.
Chapter 4
George Vavasor, the Wild Man
This chapter provides a detailed portrait of George Vavasor, his past, his character, and his current circumstances. It recounts his early career as a parliamentary land agent, his violent quarrel with his partner, his subsequent success as a wine merchant, and his eventual move into stockbroking. It also covers his broken engagement with Alice, his quarrel with his grandfather over the Vavasor estate, his failed parliamentary election, and the death of his heiress fiancée. The chapter ends with a conversation between George and his sister Kate, in which she urges him to pursue Alice again before she marries John Grey.
Chapter 5
The Balcony at Basle
Alice, Kate, and George Vavasor conclude their Swiss tour in Basle. On the hotel balcony overlooking the Rhine, they reflect on their journey and its costs. Kate leaves Alice and George alone, leading to a tense, intimate conversation where George abruptly asks Alice when she will marry John Grey.

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Mr. Vavasor and His Daughter

Lady Macleod

John Grey, the Worthy Man

George Vavasor, the Wild Man

The Balcony at Basle