The Nebuly Coat · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Nebuly Coat by John Meade Falkner.

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Chapter 1
Prologue
Sir George Farquhar briefs his understudy, Westray, on the restoration work at Cullerne Minster, warning him about critics and highlighting structural concerns with the south transept roof, choir vaulting, and central tower, while noting the parson's incompetence.
Chapter 2
I
Westray arrives at Cullerne Minster and is met by Canon Parkyn, the organist Mr. Sharnall, Dr. Ennefer, and Mr. Joliffe. The Rector shows him around the church, pointing out the Blandamer aisle and the dilapidated roof. The organist criticizes the Blandamers for not contributing to restoration, while the doctor insists on sanitary flooring. Westray notices cracks in the tower arches and recalls his chief's warnings about the tower's stability. The clerk recounts a past bell-ringing incident that was stopped due to fears the tower might collapse.
Chapter 3
Chapter II
Westray settles into Bellevue Lodge, where Miss Euphemia Joliffe and her niece Anastasia care for him. Over dinner, the organist Mr. Sharnall reveals the tragic story of Martin Joliffe, who believed he was the rightful Lord Blandamer due to the nebuly coat, and wasted his life and his sister's savings in pursuit of this delusion.
Chapter 4
Chapter III
Westray settles into his lodgings at Bellevue Lodge, where his aesthetic sensibilities are offended by the decor, particularly a garish flower painting. After ringing for his landlady, he is surprised to be answered by Anastasia Joliffe, who has been taking a violin lesson from Mr. Sharnall. Westray's embarrassment at the social awkwardness is palpable. Later, he encounters Mr. Joliffe, the pork-butcher, who offers pious platitudes about the church restoration. Meanwhile, Anastasia returns to Sharnall, who is irritable and makes a crude joke; she breaks down in tears, confessing her misery over unpaid debts and her aunt's struggles.
Chapter 5
Chapter IV
Westray explores the Minster's architecture, then listens to Clerk Janaway's lengthy account of the Joliffe family history, focusing on the mysterious Sophia Flannery (Martin Joliffe's mother) and Martin's obsessive claims to the Blandamer inheritance.

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Prologue

I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV