← The Small House at Allington

The Small House at Allington · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope.

Read with companionsBook page

Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.

  1. Chapter 1

    The Squire of Allington

    This chapter introduces the Great House at Allington and its owner, Christopher Dale, the squire. It describes the history of the Dale family, their adherence to a 'religion' of preserving the estate without entail, and the character of the current squire—a man shaped by an unrequited love and a failed political ambition as a Liberal. The chapter also details the physical setting of the house, gardens, church, and village, establishing the rural, traditional world of Allington.

  2. Chapter 2

    The Two Pearls of Allington

    This chapter introduces the two Dale sisters, Lily and Bell, and their life at the Small House in Allington. It details the family's relationship with Squire Christopher Dale, who provides them with a rent-free home and social advantages. The chapter also introduces Mr. Crosbie, a 'swell' from London, and contrasts him with the humble clerk John Eames. A croquet game reveals tensions and flirtations, while the narrative explores the dynamics of class, family obligation, and the sisters' differing views on men and marriage.

  3. Chapter 3

    The Widow Dale of Allington

    This chapter introduces Mrs. Dale, the widow living at the Small House in Allington, and explores her complex relationship with her brother-in-law, the squire. It delves into her pride, her sacrifices for her daughters, and her quiet struggles with her position. The evening concludes with a moonlit return from the Great House, where Lily's playful teasing of Mr. Crosbie and her inadvertent mention of Dr. Crofts cause a moment of tension with Bell.

  4. Chapter 4

    Mrs. Roper's Boardinghouse

    John Eames, now a clerk in London, lives at Mrs. Roper's boardinghouse. He remains secretly devoted to Lily Dale, though his friend Cradell teases him about flirting with Amelia Roper. The chapter explores Eames's unrequited love, his modest income, and the questionable respectability of the boardinghouse.

  5. Chapter 5

    About L. D.

    John Eames returns to Allington for his holiday, hoping to see Lily Dale, but upon arrival he learns from Mrs. Dale and Bell that Lily is engaged to Mr. Crosbie. The news devastates him, and he flees before Lily can enter. The chapter also contrasts Eames's London entanglements—particularly with Amelia Roper—with his enduring love for Lily, and follows Crosbie's arrival at Allington with no fixed plans beyond his stay.

Free preview

53 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.

53 more companions → free preview
  1. Chapter 6Beautiful Days
  2. Chapter 7The Beginning of Troubles
  3. Chapter 8It Cannot Be
  4. Chapter 9Mrs. Dale's Little Party
  5. Chapter 10X: Mrs. Lupex and Amelia Roper
  6. Chapter 11Social Life
  7. Chapter 12Lilian Dale Becomes a Butterfly
  8. Chapter 13A Visit to Guestwick
  9. Chapter 14John Eames Takes a Walk
  10. Chapter 15The Last Day
  11. Chapter 16Mr. Crosbie Meets an Old Clergyman on His Way to Courcy Castle
  12. Chapter 17Courcy Castle
  13. Chapter 18Lily Dale's First Love-Letter
  14. Chapter 19Dr. Crofts
  15. Chapter 20John Eames Encounters Two Adventures, and Displays Great Courage in Both
  16. Chapter 21Mr. Plantagenet Palliser
  17. Chapter 22XXIV: A Mother-in-Law and a Father-in-Law
  18. Chapter 23Adolphus Crosbie Spends an Evening at His Club
  19. Chapter 24Lord De Courcy in the Bosom of His Family
  20. Chapter 25XXVII: “On My Honour, I Do Not Understand It.”
  21. Chapter 26The Board
  22. Chapter 27John Eames Returns to Burton Crescent
  23. Chapter 28XXX: Is It from Him?
  24. Chapter 29The Wounded Fawn
  25. Chapter 30Pawkins's in Jermyn Street
  26. Chapter 31The Time Will Come
  27. Chapter 32The Combat
  28. Chapter 33Vae Victis
  29. Chapter 34XXXVI: “See, the Conquering Hero Comes.”
  30. Chapter 35An Old Man's Complaint
  31. Chapter 36Doctor Crofts Is Called In
  32. Chapter 37Dr. Crofts Is Turned Out
  33. Chapter 38Preparations for the Wedding
  34. Chapter 39Domestic Troubles
  35. Chapter 40XLII: Lily's Bedside
  36. Chapter 41Fie, Fie!
  37. Chapter 42Valentine's Day at Allington
  38. Chapter 43Valentine’s Day in London
  39. Chapter 44John Eames at His Office
  40. Chapter 45The New Private Secretary
  41. Chapter 46XLVIII: Nemesis
  42. Chapter 47Preparations for Going
  43. Chapter 48Mrs. Dale Is Thankful for a Good Thing
  44. Chapter 49John Eames Does Things Which He Ought Not to Have Done
  45. Chapter 50The First Visit to the Guestwick Bridge
  46. Chapter 51LIII: Loquitur Hopkins
  47. Chapter 52The Second Visit to the Guestwick Bridge
  48. Chapter 53LV: Not Very Fie Fie After All
  49. Chapter 54Showing How Mr. Crosbie Became Again a Happy Man
  50. Chapter 55LVII: Lilian Dale Vanquishes Her Mother
  51. Chapter 56The Fate of the Small House
  52. Chapter 57John Eames Becomes a Man
  53. Chapter 58Conclusion